Life as a jockey can be luxurious, as some of the very best will take regular flights across the globe to compete in the world’s most famous races. However, this isn’t the case for all jockeys, as those at lower levels will rarely have the opportunity to venture outside of their home nation.
Respected jockeys such as Ryan Moore and William Buick are typically asked to travel to pick up the rides of stable stars, and there have been some memorable stories of success throughout history. But, could travel impact a horse’s chances in a major race. You can find out more about trends and important stats here. But, where are some of the most glamorous locations where horse racing jockeys will typically travel to in order to attempt to land a big purse?
United Arab Emirates
One of the first big lucrative purses on offer for international riders comes in March, as the Dubai World Cup is staged at Meydan Racecourse. The race is one of the richest on the racing calendar, with a purse of $12 million being up for grabs. The race is part of the Dubai World Cup Night schedule, with major purses also being on offer in the Dubai Sheema Classic, Dubai Turf, and the UAE Derby.
However, the featured race of the night typically attracts the world’s best horses and jockeys. American riders have achieved notable success in recent years, with Florent Geroux gaining success aboard Brad Cox-trained Hit Show in 2025.
Churchill Downs
The first major Triple Crown race of a calendar year is staged in early May, as Churchill Downs hosts the Kentucky Derby. While it is a race that all American trainers aim to win, there have been notable occasions throughout recent history where international runners have taken their chance.
A notable inclusion came in the form of Forever Young, who finished third behind Mystik Dan and Sierra Leone in 2024. Japan continue to have lofty ambitions of winning major races on the global schedule, and they will likely send at least one runner to Churchill Downs in 2026.
Royal Ascot
There are few more famous race days on the global racing calendar than Royal Ascot. Held at the prestigious Ascot Racecourse on the outskirts of London, runners and jockeys from all four corners of the globe descend on the course annually in June in the hope of landing a famous win. Racing is staged at Ascot on 26 days throughout the calendar year, but few gain as much excitement and attention as the five days that make up the Royal Ascot meeting.
A growing number of U.S. trainers are taking aim at the meeting. However, few have achieved as much success as Wesley Ward. But, the latest American trainer to land a win at the track was George Weaver, who won the G2 Queen Mary Stakes with Crimson Advocate.
Saudi Cup
Saudi Arabia continues to be one of the growing forces in global sport, with the Public Investment Fund supporting events such as golf, football, and boxing. However, the PIF has also supported horse racing in the Middle East, with the Saudi Cup being the world’s richest race.
The event holds a staggering purse of $20 million, and it is the highlight of a stacked Saudi Cup Night card annually. A total distance of 1,800 metres is covered by the field, which also holds a ‘Win and You’re In’ for the Dubai World Cup. It was upgraded to Group One status in February 2022.
A stacked roll of honour have claimed victory in the race, including Forever Young, who beat Romantic Warrior in a high-quality renewal in 2025. The Japanese horse would later showcase the depth of that form by winning the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Japan Cup
Another race with a rich history of attracting high-quality runners and riders from across the world comes in the form of the Japan Cup. This race was run for the first time in 1981, and it typically takes place on the final Sunday in November at Tokyo Racecourse.
It is usually the final target for high-quality horses over 1 ½ miles, as it is staged a few weeks after the Breeders’ Cup and a month after the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The Japan Cup has been one of the world’s richest races throughout its history, and that has led trainers such as Aidan O’Brien and Charlie Appleby sending their stable stars to the race. However, it is a race that has been dominated by local runners in recent history.
But, a sign of a potential change in this trend was evident in 2025, as Champion Older Horse Calandagan was a stunning winner of the Japan Cup for French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard.
