In The World Humanity has always had a special relationship with horses. They served as transportation and so much more - they offered companionship to some and a life-saving supply of food to others (only in extreme cases, mind you). Even today, they occupy a special place in our hearts and they also contribute to our welfare through equine therapy helping mental health patients and horseback riding in nature for those seeking relaxation and leisure. Still, racing is their best-known role in life today. The tradition of horse racing dates back to ancient times - it is a tradition that humanity has kept across millennia. Horse racing is almost like a religion to those truly passionate about it - and here are their oldest and most visited "temples", as in the most famous racetracks in the world.

The oldest: the Epsom Downs in Epsom, the UK

England is the birthplace of modern-day horse racing and a nation famous for its thoroughbreds as well. And it is also home to some of the oldest modern racecourses in the world - the Epsom Downs. It is the home of three notable races: The Derby (for three-year-old colts and fillies), the Oaks (for three-year-old fillies), and the Coronation Cup (for horses aged four years and upwards). It is also famous for being associated with the British royal family, with Queen Elisabeth II routinely attending The Derby each year. Epsom has been a traditional location for horse races - the first recorded race held at the Downs took place in 1661 (although there are documents speaking of racing activity here from decades earlier). The first edition of the Oaks was organized by Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby, in 1779, for his and his friends' three-year-old fillies - he named the race "The Oaks" after his estate nearby. It was such a major success that the next year, another race was organized called "The Derby", for three-year-old colts and fillies. The Coronation Cup was introduced in 1902 in honour of the coronation of King Edward VII. Today, the Epsom Downs has a capacity of 130,000 visitors, and it is owned by the Jockey Club, the largest commercial horse racing organisation in the United Kingdom.

The most famous: The Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, England

It may not come as a surprise that the most famous racecourse in the world is also in England. Placed at a short distance from the Windsor Castle, the Ascot Racecourse has enjoyed a long association with the Royal Family. It currently stages 26 days of races across a year and stages important jump racing throughout the winter. The Ascot Racecourse also houses the British Champions Day, the culmination of the British Champions Series, and the Shergar Cup. The Ascot Racecourse is home to the Royal Ascot, the most popular racing event in Europe, founded by Queen Anne in 1711. Every year, Queen Elisabeth II and other members of the Royal Family, including the Prince of Wales, attend the event, arriving in traditional horse-drawn carriages, and a royal procession also takes place at the beginning of every race day. It is not only a major horse racing event but also a major event in the British social calendar, extensively covered by the press (the press coverage of the social part of the event often exceeds that of the actual race). During the Royal Ascot week, over 300,000 people visit Berkshire, making the Royal Ascot the best-attended horse race in Europe.