Hedge your bets: Top destinations to experience the ‘Sport Of Kings’

With Royal Ascot taking place between 17 and 21 June, it is a perfect time to don summer hats, check out the horses’ form and choose a winning filly. But why not experience the thrill of hooves on turf at another of the world’s top racecourses?

Flight Centre introduces a range of horse racing destinations that offer further chances to place bets on the bookies’ favourite. To book any of these holidays, visit flightcentre.co.uk.

North America Cup, Ontario, Canada - 14th June – 7 nights from £669
Campbellville is home to Canada’s biggest and richest horse race. Why not try your hand at betting on a horse with a day trip to this event? Stay in Toronto, 20 miles from the racecourse, and discover what the capital of Ontario has to offer. Toronto is one of the world’s most diverse cities and gateway to the Great Lakes of Canada.

Flight Centre is offering a seven night stay at the 3* Novotel North York hotel in Toronto, based on two people sharing. Offer includes return airfare and is valid for travel between 1 June and 30 June and is bookable until 10 June.

Il Palio Horse Race, Siena, Italy - 2nd July and 16th August – 5 nights from £489
The Il Palio is the most famous horse race in Italy. Held twice a year in Siena, an impressive pageant precedes the race, which attracts visitors and spectators from around the world.

Flight Centre is offering a trip to coincide with the second race on 16 August, which includes a five-night stay at the 4* Montaperti Hotel, return airfare and five days’ car hire, based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis. This deal is valid for travel between 14 August and 19 August and is bookable until 30 June.

Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France - 5th October – 4 nights from £325
Held on the first Sunday in October, the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe is raced on turf at Longchamp Racecourse. With a purse of €4,000,000 for the 2008 running, the race often brings together the winners of many of the top-class races in Europe.

Flight Centre is offering return airfare and four nights’ accommodation at the 3* Aida Opera hotel in Paris, based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis. This deal is valid for travel between 4 October and 8 October and is bookable until 30 June.

Melbourne Cup, Melbourne, Australia - 4th November – 7 nights from £1199
Australia's major annual thoroughbred horse race, the Melbourne Cup is billed as “The race that stops a nation.” Held on the first Tuesday in November, the day of the Melbourne Cup is now a public holiday in ACT (Australian National Territory).

Flight Centre is offering return airfare and a seven night stay at the 4* Quest Royal Gardens, based on two people sharing a one bedroom apartment. This deal is valid for travel between 1 November and 9 November and is bookable until 18 June.

Dubai World Cup, Dubai, UAE - 28th March 2009 – 5 nights from £699
The richest horse race in the world, the Dubai World Cup is the brainchild of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. With a purse of over $6 million to the winner the total prize money for all seven races is a staggering $21.25 million.
Flight Centre is offering return airfare, airport transfers and a five-night stay at the 4* Riviera Hotel, based on two people sharing a room with views of the famous Dubai Creek. This deal is valid for travel between 25 March 2009 and 30 March 2009 and is bookable until 31 July 2008.