FANCY A FLUTTER? THE WORLD'S GREATEST RACE DAYS
This weekend the Grand National will see millions of Britons enraptured by the races. If the thunder of hooves and beckoning bookies has you hungry for more, there are many other opportunities to enjoy the races in locations worldwide.
Thomas Cook highlights some of the globe's biggest horse racing events and how to get there:
1. Kentucky Derby - 5 May 2007. Established in the 19th century in Louisville,
Kentucky, the race offers many traditions and is known in the US as the Race for the Roses,
after the blanket of roses draped over the winning horse. The traditional drink to sip at the
event is the mint julep, and the dish of the day is burgoo, a thick meaty stew. A unique
experience only to be found in the USA!
Sample holiday: thomascook.com offers flights to
Kentucky in May with US Airways from £450 per person.
2. Dubai World Cup - March 2008. One of the most glamorous and well-known race events in
the world. Just a single 2km race on a sand track, it attracts some of the world's best horses
and riders, thanks largely to a multi-million-pound prize. Perfect for people-watching and
rubbing shoulders with the very rich.
Sample holiday: Thomas Cook Cities and Short Breaks offers three nights in the four star Le Meridien Dubai, including flights, from £627 per person based on two sharing.
3. Melbourne Cup - 6 November 2008. Australia's biggest racing event. Locals either dig out their finery or dress up in outlandish costumes. The true party atmosphere makes it a real focus for both racing fans and fun-seekers.
Sample holiday: Thomas Cook Australia offers a 10-night 'Discover Downunder' tour, including
three nights in Melbourne, as well as visits to Sydney and Cairns, with international and
domestic flights, transfers and accommodation from £2079 per person in November.
4. Japan Cup - November 2007. For an Eastern take on the horse racing experience, the Japan Cup is one of Asia's most prestigious races. Held in Fuchu, Tokyo, the race offers a prize of more than £2 million and is one of the richest horse races in the world. Established in 1981, the race is truly international with past winners from North America, Britain, Australia, France, Ireland and Germany.
Sample holiday: thomascook.com offers six nights in
the three star Chisun Inn, Tokyo, with flights from London Heathrow from £670 per person based
on two sharing in November.
5. Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe - October 7 2007. This famous French race, held in Paris, began in 1920 to celebrate the Allies' victory in World War One. The race brings together winners of derby races from the UK, Ireland, Germany and Italy. It's the perfect opportunity to experience a race with continental flavour, within easy reach of home.
Sample holiday: Thomas Cook Cities & Short Breaks offers two nights at the three star Hotel
des Arts, including return travel with Eurostar from £167 per person, based on two sharing.
All the holidays above can be booked via Thomas Cook stores, online or by phone on 08450 702530.
A spokesperson for Thomas Cook said: "The Grand National really captures the imaginations of all of us, and there's a real air of excitement in the UK on the day of the race. But there's no need to confine that buzz to just one day of the year. There are other major races across the world with their own idiosyncrasies and unique appeal. If you love to have a flutter, why not combine the fun of the races with your next holiday abroad?"
