thumb | right | Spectators watch a bull and bear fight in New Orleans, 1853.
1853 in sports describes the year's events in world sport.
Baseball
Events
- The New York Sunday Mercury publishes a box score for a Knickerbockers–Gothams baseball match, reprinted by the Clipper a few days later
Boxing
Events
- 18 April — English champion Harry Broome defeats Henry Orme in the 31st round at Brandon to retain his title.
- August — a scheduled bout between Broome and former champion William Perry does not come off; Broome has to pay forfeit and Perry claims the title, but his claim is not recognised and Broome retains the English Championship until 1856.
- Publication of the Revised London Prize Ring rules
Cricket
Events
England
- Most runs – Jemmy Dean 372 @ 12.82 (HS 62)
- Most wickets – James Grundy 87 @ 10.04 (BB 8–?)
Horse racing
- West Australian wins the English Triple Crown with a clean sweep of the 2000 Guineas, the Derby and the St Leger
England
- Grand National – Peter Simple (for the second time, having previously won in 1849)
- 1,000 Guineas Stakes – Mentmore Lass
- 2,000 Guineas Stakes – West Australian
- The Derby – West Australian
- The Oaks – Catherine Hayes
- St. Leger Stakes – West Australian
Rowing
The Boat Race
- The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is not held this year