Why is there an Increasing Amount of Horses Travelling Abroad?

Recent years has seen a steady increase in the amount of horses from Britain and Ireland travelling abroad. Whether it be the Breeders Cup, Melbourne Cup, The Dubai World Cup or simply a short trip across the water to France, it is becoming more and more prevalent.

A main reason for this is prize money. The money on offer at Churchill Downs, Flemington Park and Meydan puts some of the money on offer for black-type races in the British Isles to shame. Whilst the money on offer here was always very attractive, other countries have moved past us in this respect, Champions Day at Ascot aside.

Many trainers also send horses to France as it may prove to be a better opportunity to gain a group class victory. Winning in this grade as a monumental effect on a horses stud fee, so if the ground at Auteil is likely to suit more than that at Ascot, a trainer and owner is more than happy to get the horse across the channel.

This has resulted in some very famous victories for British and Irish horses, here is a few highlights below.

It was only last year that Joseph O'Brien saddled the winner of the Melbourne Cup in the shape of Rekindling, taking home $940,080 for what is a handicap. It was the first time for 15 years Ireland had a winner of the race, and they also had second and third on this famous day.

There is no doubt that if you have an odds-on shot for the Arc, you are going to send it over. That is exactly what John Gosden did last year with Enable who obliged in emphatic fashion. Sir Michael Stoute saddled the third and Aiden O'Brien the fourth that day.

Frankie Dettori rode Ravens Pass to victory in the Breeders Cup Classic. Britain and Ireland have not had a winner of this feature race seen or before however with the huge amount of money on offer, there is no doubt there will be more victories from this country in the not too distant future.