Our look at sacred ground in the “Sport of Kings” began with North America, where Hall of Fame tracks from Churchill Downs to Santa Anita made the cut. Now we turn our attention to the rest of the world, as we count down the most historic thoroughbred courses, from Europe to Africa and Australia to Asia.

Greyville Racecourse, Durban, South Africa

Signature event: Durban July Handicap

A pretty city of 3.5 million people, Durban is a popular subtropical destination. Greyville Racecourse draws a fair number of visitors every year, with two great and lucrative events in the Durban July Handicap and Greyville Gold Cup.

Turffontein Racecourse, Johannesburg, South Africa

Signature event: South African Derby

Johannesburg also has a rich history with thoroughbreds that spans well over a century. The city suburb of Turffontein in Gauteng province has a wonderful course that provides myriad excitement throughout the year.

Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Signature event: Melbourne Cup

From a pictorial perch on the shores of the Maribyrnong River, Flemington Racecourse reigns supreme among a panoply of superb tracks Down Under. Australia’s long love affair with equine sports dates back to the colonial era of course and the Melbourne Cup – known as “the race that stops a nation” – at Flemington is so big that the city celebrates it as a public holiday.

Longchamp Racecourse, Paris, France

Signature event: Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Longchamp’s inaugural race in the Bois de Boulogne of Paris was all the way back in 1857, with Napol?on III in attendance. With a ?4,000,000 purse, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, held every October, is a monumental event that draws the best horses in the world.

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Chantilly Racecourse, Chantilly, Oise, France

Signature event: Prix du Jockey Club

The grand Ch?teau de Chantilly can be seen from the turf racecourse in the Oise commune of the same name. Incredibly, races have been held here since as far back as 1834.

Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England

Signature event: Cheltenham Gold Cup

Technically in the village of Prestbury, Gloucestershire’s premier track nonetheless bears the name of the superb spa town of Cheltenham. Home to over 110,000 people, the population more than doubles when the prestigious Gold Cup, the steeplechase event in England, comes to town every March.

Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, England

Signature event: Royal Ascot

The spiritual home of the Sport of Kings, Ascot Racecourse was inaugurated in 1711 by Queen Anne. The Royal Ascot is the premier event on the British society calendar, as much about fashion and pageantry as horses and races. The week-long event lures over 300,000 people and features a total purse of ?3,000,000 for 16 races, in addition to the Royal Family of course. Hardcore fans probably prefer the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes to the pomp of the Royal Ascot.

Happy Valley Racecourse, Hong Kong, China

Signature event: Summer night races

The most historic track in Asia was built in 1845 for the affluent British brass in power at the time. Home to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Archive and Museum, the summer night race calendar plays out in front of a brilliant backdrop of shiny skyscrapers.

Sha Tin Racecourse, Hong Kong, China

Signature event: Hong Kong International Races

Though it suffers from a lack of charisma in contrast to Happy Valley, Sha Tin Racecourse holds 85,000 spectators and hosts the most important races of the season in Hong Kong.

Serangoon Road Race Course, Singapore

Signature event: Singapore Derby (now at Kranji Racecourse)

The historic Farrer Park central district of Singapore was once the location of a beautiful track. Open for race events from 1842 to 1933, the remains of Serangoon Road Race Course now serve as a large public park.

Tokyo Racecourse, Tokyo, Japan

Signature event: Japan Cup

With a gargantuan capacity of over 220,000 people, Tokyo Racecourse is a beast. Built in 1933, the foremost track in Japan hosts a full calendar of top-notch events from January to December.

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Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11