Horse racing has a long and aristocratic history in Britain. Royal Ascot, held in Berkshire each June and attended by the King, is one of the most prestigious flat-racing meetings in the world. The Derby at Epsom Downs is another famous flat race, run since 1780. The Grand National at Aintree near Liverpool, first run in 1839, is a steeplechase over jumps and is one of the most-watched horse races globally.
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Britain has produced legendary jockeys including Sir Anthony McCoy, Frankie Dettori and Lester Piggott. The British Horseracing Authority regulates the sport, while organisations such as the Jockey Club own and operate many of the country's leading racecourses.
You may be asked the name of the famous Aintree race (the Grand National), or where the Derby is run (Epsom).
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