The first Danish races were introduced in 1820, and the Danish Jockey Club was founded in 1859. The first official races in Copenhagen took place on the 16th and 17th of July 1870 at the Eremitage in Dyrehaven Forest. In 1910 the actual Copenhagen Racecourse hosted its first races, including the first official Danish Derby.

Following the increase of horses in training, turn-over, prize money and spectators, the Danish 2000 Guineas was introduced in 1923. In the 1930's the Danish 1000 Guineas and Danish St. Leger followed, while The Danish Oaks became the last classic to be created shortly after the end of World War 2.

Danish racing consists of approximately 500 racehorses and 21 professional trainers. There's one flat race track (Copenhagen Racecourse), and three combined racing/trotting tracks situated in Odense, Aalborg and Aarhus.