(CNN) If the thunder of hooves and the thrill of the racing doesn't grab you, the sublime settings surely will.

From the grounds of a 16th-century chateau, to beaches, snow-covered lakes, glorious greensward and a track squeezed among skyscrapers, the sport of kings offers some spectacular venues for racegoers to savor.

Here is a look at some of the most beautiful horse racing locations in the world.

Meydan, Dubai

Boasting the world's first five-star trackside hotel, restaurants and a museum, Dubai's Meydan Racecourse is a cathedral to 21st-century racing.

The grandstand alone is more than a mile long and can host 60,000 spectators. What's more, there is a rooftop infinity pool.

Since it replaced the Nad Al Sheba racecourse in 2010, Meydan has been home to one of the richest horse races in the world -- the Grade 1 Dubai World Cup.

Meydan is the jewel in Dubai's horse racing scene.

Recently the prize fund was boosted to $12 million and the 2019 winner will take home an eye-watering $7.2 million.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

The upmarket ski resort is known for world-class winter sports, glitz, glamor and ... horse racing?

The venue for the White Turf event, which is held three days a year, isn't your typical racecourse. Horses and jockeys compete on a frozen lake against the wintery backdrop of the Engadine mountains.

It's no wonder the event attracts more than 35,000 spectators each year, drawn in by the gallop and trotting races, as well as fan-favorite skijöring, where skiers are pulled behind unsaddled horses around a 2,700-meter icy track.

JUST WATCHED White Turf: St. Moritz's horse race on snow Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH White Turf: St. Moritz's horse race on snow 02:37

Flemington Racecourse, Australia

Home to the famous Melbourne Cup, Flemington is the oldest metropolitan racecourse in Australia.

It was first used in 1840 when the town of Melbourne was just five years old.

The revamped venue bursts into a kaleidoscope of color and energy during the Melbourne Cup meeting. The historic race -- dubbed the "race that stops a nation" -- is a cultural and sporting icon, not just in Australia but around the world.

JUST WATCHED Australia's golden horse racing heritage Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Australia's golden horse racing heritage 02:27

The Melbourne Cup had long been the richest race in Australia before being overtaken by The Everest. The prize pot still sits at about $5.3 million with 2018's winner collecting $2.8 million.

Piazza del Campo, Italy

Simply put, there is no racecourse in the world quite like the Piazza del Campo in Italy. The Palio di Siena horse race, which is held twice every year in July and August, dates back to medieval times when its first events were held on buffalo.

Twice a year, riders from 10 of the city's 17 districts, known as "contrade", race three times around Siena's central square to win the Palio.

The course -- which is held in the central piazza of Siena -- is lined with spectators on all four sides and in the center with racing taking place on the ring formed around it.

The race has been dubbed by some as "the toughest horse race in the world" with jockeys, who wear the respective colors of their districts, riding bareback.

Happy Valley, Hong Kong

Nestled amongst the skyscrapers in Hong Kong is Happy Valley Racecourse, which was originally constructed in 1845 to provide racing entertainment for British expats in the city.

Happy Valley Racecourse is surrounded by giant apartments and skyscrapers.

It's a magnificent city center racecourse surrounded by giant apartments and skyscrapers -- giving visitors an unusually beautiful scenic view while watching horse racing.

Happy Valley's seven-storey stands are regularly packed out with local fans and tourists alike, and can accommodate up to 55,000 spectators.

With a beer garden, live music and entertainment between races, the racecourse has become a regular after-work gathering place -- especially for what they call "Happy Wednesday."

Photos: The richest horse races in the world The newly created Saudi Cup in February 2020 will offer a purse of $20 million with a first prize of $10 million. Hide Caption 1 of 11 Photos: The richest horse races in the world Eye-popping prizes – The Pegasus World Cup was the richest horse race in 2018, with an improved prize fund of $16 million. The event was re-imagined for 2019 with a reduced pot of $9M for the dirt race and $7M for a separate turf race. Hide Caption 2 of 11 Photos: The richest horse races in the world Dubai World Cup – The $12 million Dubai World Cup was usurped by the Pegasus, but still offers an eye-watering $7.2 million for the winner. Godolphin's Thunder Snow won in 2018 and 2019. Hide Caption 3 of 11 Photos: The richest horse races in the world The Everest – Now considered Australia's richest race, The Everest is also the world's richest race over turf with the prize pot almost $10M. The race's prize fund is set to rise even further in 2020.

Hide Caption 4 of 11 Photos: The richest horse races in the world Breeders' Cup Classic – Considered by many as the unofficial fourth leg of the prestigious Triple Crown, the Breeders' Cup Classic is the second richest race in North America. The prize pot is $6 million with the winner scooping just over half. Hide Caption 5 of 11 Photos: The richest horse races in the world Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe – Europe's richest race is the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the epitome of Parisian chic at the revamped Longchamp racecourse. In 2018, the winner earned $3.2 million out of a fund of $5.6M. Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori (pictured) holds the record for most race wins (six), including dual triumphs on Enable. Hide Caption 6 of 11 Photos: The richest horse races in the world Japan Cup – Inaugurated in 1981, the Japan Cup is the country's richest horse race. Home-grown talent has flourished at the event -- since 2018, every winning trainer and owner has come from Japan. Almond Eye is the reigning champion, clinching $2.7 million. Hide Caption 7 of 11 Photos: The richest horse races in the world Melbourne Cup – It may have been overtaken as Australia's richest race but the Melbourne Cup remains a prestigious event. The prize pot is about $5.2 million with this year's winner collecting $2.8 million. Hide Caption 8 of 11 Photos: The richest horse races in the world Breeders' Cup Turf – Carrying a prize fund of $4 million, the Breeders' Cup Turf is a showpiece event in the US. Winning connections claim a cool $2.2M. Hide Caption 9 of 11 Photos: The richest horse races in the world Kentucky Derby – The Kentucky Derby is an exhilarating mile-and-a-quarter dash on dirt, dubbed "the most exciting two minutes in sports." The winner of the iconic race clinches $1.425 million. Hide Caption 10 of 11 Photos: The richest horse races in the world Epsom Derby – The historic Epsom Derby is a sporting and cultural event on the UK social calendar with a prize pot for owners of about $1.9 million with the winner bagging just over $1M. Hide Caption 11 of 11

Ascot, England

The name "Ascot" conjures visions of royalty, elegance, high fashion and world-class racing.

The racecourse was opened in 1711 by Queen Anne and is one of the most celebrated venues on the horse racing calendar.

Queen Elizabeth II makes her way to the course ahead of racing at Royal Ascot.

Royal Ascot is the highlight, with Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the British royal family in attendance alongside more than 300,000 racegoers over five days.

With £5.5 million in prize money, it's also the most valuable race meeting in Britain, but Ascot hosts a wealth of other world-class race days including the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in July.

The racecourse features two tracks -- flat and jumps -- on a greensward about six miles from Windsor Castle.

In fact, it's technically still property of the British royal family, however Parliament passed a special act in 1813 to ensure that the course remain public.

JUST WATCHED Behind the scenes at Royal Ascot Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Behind the scenes at Royal Ascot 22:19

Chantilly, France

Spectacular and timeless, Chantilly racecourse nestles in front of the fairytale 16th-century Chateau de Chantilly amid a tree-lined tract 30 miles north of Paris.

The track, which was created in 1832, also abuts the majestic Great Stables (Les Grandes Écuries), which were built in 1719 by estate owner, Louis Henri Duc de Bourbon, Prince of Condé.

Chantilly racecourse features views of a chateau and the famous Great Stables (pictured).

In 2016 and 2017, Chantilly played host to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Europe's most valuable horse race, while its traditional Longchamp home underwent a €130 million ($145 million) revamp

Chantilly is home to the Prix du Jockey-Club and the Prix de Diane Longines, a celebration of equine excellence and French fashion elegance.

Laytown Races, Ireland

For just a few hours every year, a stretch of sand on the Irish coast transforms into perhaps the most unique event on the horse racing calendar.

Laytown Races -- situated near the country's capital Dublin -- is the only official beach race in Europe.

JUST WATCHED The Laytown Races Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH The Laytown Races 22:17

The 150-year-old tradition attracts more than 5,000 visitors every year, with spectators lining the makeshift grandstand etched into the overlooking sand dune.

Organizers race against time to set up the spectacle, battling against the tide to build the track and enclosures on the sand.

Goodwood, England

Goodwood is the epitome of Englishness, boasting one of the most beautiful venues in the sport.

The rolling Sussex countryside unfolds in front of the glistening white grandstand which plays host to some of the most prestigious Flat races in Europe.

The highlight is the iconic Glorious Goodwood meeting, a racing festival which is one of the jewels in the crown of the British calendar, combining Grade 1 races with high fashion.

The track's undulating course offers a severe test to the runners and riders who have been visiting this picturesque corner of England since 1802.

A general view as runners approach the finish at Goodwood Racecourse.

Cheltenham, England

National Hunt racing may not always offer the glitz and glamor of Flat racing but Cheltenham is certainly the exception.

As well as offering the most prestigious jump meeting in the world, it also offers one of the most stunning settings in which to watch the sport.

The Cheltenham Festival every March is like a jamboree for jumps fans from Ireland and Britain, set against the backdrop of the idyllic Cotswold Hills.

A general view of the course at Cheltenham racecourse.

Owners, jockeys and trainers from all over the world clamor for a win at the famous meeting-- with the prestigious Gold Cup the ultimate honor.