Horse racing is quite popular in the United States, and therefore there are a lot of amazing tracks that attract millions of spectators every year. It’s the perfect place for a horse racing enthusiast to visit just because there are horse races throughout the entire year.
Some of these horse racetracks attract even more spectators than the final of the World Cup in soccer, which is incredible considering that soccer is the most popular sport in the world.
But what’s so special about US racetracks, and which are worth the visit?
Let’s find out.
Churchill Downs
Let’s get one thing clear from the start. If you hate crowds, this is not the place for you especially not on Derby Day, but what horse racing aficionado can pass up the opportunity to visit the home of the Kentucky Derby?
Sadly, the famed twin spires have been overshadowed by huge new architecture, but seeing them as you drive into the parking lot is still exciting. Churchill is very much a neighborhood racing track, which gives it a pleasant, urban atmosphere.
If you schedule your vacation well, you may visit both Churchill and Keeneland in the same week because their meetings are contiguous and only an hour and a half apart. This year, according to TwinSpires.com, marks the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby so it’s a very important time stamp into the event’s history.
While you’re at Churchill, stop into the Kentucky Derby Museum, which has a wealth of interesting artifacts and stories.
Established in 1875, the track’s twin spires have become an iconic emblem in the racing world. Every year, on the first Saturday in May, the Derby captivates millions of people with its distinctive combination of tradition, fashion, and intense competition.
Santa Anita Park, California
The Santa Anita Park racetrack, which was originally part of Rancho Santa Anita, was erected across from where it stands now in 1904. The railroad closed in 1909 and was destroyed in 1912.
When California allowed pari-mutuel wagering in 1933, two groups of investors formed the Los Angeles Turf Club and built the Santa Anita Park track, which is still in operation today. It opened on Christmas Day, 1934.
Because of its proximity to Los Angeles, the track has been included in a number of movies and television series.
Santa Anita has a one-mile dirt main track, a 0.9-mile turf course, and a 6½ furlong hillside turf course that spans the dirt track.
The inaugural Santa Anita Handicap was conducted on the track in 1935, with a $100,000 prize, making it the richest stakes race in US history. The 1 1/4-mile Santa Anita Handicap is still raced annually in early March and is the track’s main event. The purse was up to $600,000 but dropped to $500,000.
Saratoga Racecourse
Saratoga is a beautiful old racecourse in a racing-crazy community full of horse racing enthusiasts. What could be better? A visit to “The Spa” is like going back in time, and every racing enthusiast should do it at least once in their life.
Saratoga may get hot and humid in August, but who cares? A humid day in Saratoga is preferable to a pristine day anyplace else. Saratoga features a country fair vibe, making it the most family-friendly racetrack. Make sure to visit the Horse Racing Hall of Fame, which is located just across Union Avenue from the racetrack.
Keeneland Race Course
Keeneland Race Course is owned by the non-profit Keeneland Association, which also runs some of the world’s most prominent horse sales. The Horseplayers Association ranked it as the best horse racetrack. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark.
Keeneland has two meets: one in the spring and one in the fall. They are considered “boutique” meetings since the last 15 and 17 days, respectively. The quality, on the other hand, is among the best in the country, with the biggest stakes programs for track meetings.
Keeneland is most known for holding grade one races, such as the $500,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, and for selling thoroughbreds. The course draws some of America’s largest audiences to the immaculate grounds for the Spring Meet, which is frequently visited by A-list celebrities such as George Clooney.
Del Mar Race Track
Del Mar Race Track was established on the Del Mar Fairgrounds and rapidly became a popular gathering spot for Hollywood’s elite. In actuality, it was created by a collaboration between Bing Crosby and numerous well-known Hollywood actors, including Gary Cooper and Oliver Hardy.
The Del Mar racetrack is a one-mile dirt circuit with chutes for 7/8 and 1 1/4 mile races. There is also a seven-eighths mile grass oval with a diagonal chute for races of 1 1/16 and 1 1/8 miles.
Pimlico Race Course
Pimlico Racing Course, America’s second-oldest racing track, has a rich history dating back to 1870. Pimlico’s racing calendar is highlighted by the $1 million Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Pimlico is located in Baltimore and also holds music concerts throughout the year. The moniker ‘Old Hilltop’ comes from a little rise near the infield where trainers used to congregate.
Final Words
The horse racing culture in the United States is huge and we can see that from their selection of top-notch racecourses. There are many states that are trying to enter the world of horse racing by building new horse racing venues, but these are some of the best bets if you visit the US and you are a horse racing fan.
Just make sure to check out their racing calendar and make sure that you visit the track during an actual race. This is when these tracks come to life.
