In the US, it’s fair to say that we’re more into flat racing – but if you’ve never witnessed the thrill of a steeplechase race, you don’t know what you’re missing.
Steeplechase horse racing is arguably one of the most exciting and demanding types of races in the sport – a breathtaking combination of speed, endurance, and jumping ability. Unlike flat racing, horses have to overcome both natural and artificial obstacles – like hurdles and fences… a test of strength and stamina for both the horses and the jockeys.
Like the sound of that? Then here are some of the best races in the world – all worth a watch!
The Grand National
First, we have the world-renowned Grand National, held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. It’s run over 4 miles 514 yards – and the horses have to successfully navigate 30 fences over two laps – to see if they can enjoy a slice of the prize pool worth more than £1 million.
First run in 1839, this is the most famous steeplechase in the world, known for its massive fences – including Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and Valentine’s Brook and every year it attracts attention from racing fans and bettors from all over the world.
This race is notoriously unpredictable – and sometimes even the favourites struggle to finish. It’s also created legends, like Red Rum, who won the race three times in 1973, 1974 and 1977.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup
Another massive UK steeplechase race is the Cheltenham Gold Cup, held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire, England. Run over 3 miles 2½ furlongs, the horses and riders have to negotiate 22 fences – as they race to get their share of the £600,000+ prize pool.
Dating back to 1924, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is the pinnacle of the Cheltenham Festival, and many people consider it to be the championship event of steeplechasing. Unlike the Grand National, which comes with massive fields and extreme obstacles, the Gold Cup is a more tactical race and it needs just the right balance of stamina, speed, and jumping precision.
It has been the creator of iconic names, including Arkle, Best Mate, and Kauto Star – and winning the Gold Cup is a dream for every top trainer and jockey. As the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2025 odds are released, trainers, jockeys and owners will all be looking to add their names to the list of Cheltenham Gold Cup legends.
The Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris
Next, we head over the Channel to France – and the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris, held at the Auteuil Racecourse in Paris. This is a race run over 3 miles 6 furlongs – and has 23 tricky fences to navigate.
Having been around since 1874, this is the biggest and most prestigious steeplechase race in the country – and with its difficult fences and deep ground it’s often compared to the Cheltenham Gold Cup… but tougher!
Many of the best British and Irish trainers send their over horses to compete, but it’s generally the French-trained horses that dominate – being more accustomed to the conditions. For any lover of steeplechasing, winning this race is a huge achievement.
The Maryland Hunt Cup
Looking a bit closer to home, we have the Maryland Hunt Cup, held in Glyndon, Maryland. This race is run over a 4-mile course with 22 solid timber fences.
The race has plenty of history, having first been run in 1894, proving that although steeplechasing is more popular in the UK, Ireland, and France, the US does have its own historic races – and this one is the most challenging of all. Unlike European steeplechases with their brush fences, this race is run over solid timber fences – which makes the falls and refusals even more dangerous.
Another reason this is so unique is because it’s for amateur riders only, making it even more unpredictable and for US steeplechasing fans, this race really is the ultimate test of endurance and jumping ability.
The Nakayama Grand Jump
Last, we head over to the other side of the world, to the Nakayama Racecourse in Japan. Run over 2 miles 5 furlongs and with 14 fences, this is a race that pays big… with prize money of over ¥142 million (around $1 million)
Japan may not be known for steeplechasing, but since it was first run in 1999, it didn’t take long for the Nakayama Grand Jump to quickly become one of the richest and most prestigious jump races in the world. Every April, this race attracts top competitors from Japan and all over the world – with winners coming from as far afield as Ireland, Australia, and France.
Steeplechasing may not be as big in the US as it should be – but there’s always plenty of international action to enjoy!
