Exploring America’s Top Horse Racing Events

Sporting activities form an important aspect of America’s culture, with professional sports forming $69 billion of the country’s economy. This is approximately 50% more than all of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East combined.

Among the most popular sports are baseball, football, basketball, ice hockey, and many others. This variety allows fans to support more than one sport annually, unlike other countries where fans might only back up one sport.

Most sports leagues in the US don’t practice promotion and relegation, just as it is common in Canada and Australia. Operating as franchises within a league, professional teams can move from one city, provided they gain financially.

The US boasts a unique sporting footprint, evidenced by how the education sector, like high schools and universities, integrates organized sports into its system. For example, college sports competitions have become as popular as other professional sports in some regions of the country.

Other sports like horse racing have a long history dating back to the 17th century. Richard Nicolls, New York’s former colonial governor, supervised the first racing competition in North America.

The Popularity of Horse Racing in the Country

Horse racing ranks as the second most popular spectator sport in America, with major events happening across the year in historic tracks like Belmont Park. In just 2020, its market share was valued at more than $3 billion and was projected to continue growing in the future.

You cannot talk about America’s horse racing scene without mentioning the Thoroughbred horses, known for their superior speeds. Their history dates back to hundreds of centuries ago when Arabian stallions were crossed with English mares to produce breeds with high speed and staying power.

Horse racing in America took a different turn in 1734 when wealthy owners joined to establish the first jockey club in Charleston, South Carolina. The following years witnessed the establishment of Belmont Stakes, Preakness Stakes, Kentucky Derby, and many others.

In the 20th century, horse racing waxed and waned, especially due to economic prosperity and depression. However, in the 1970s, the sports experienced a resurgence, with the American Triple Crown appealing to many audiences. It was a bit inconsistent during the 1980s as horse racing witnessed a decline in cultural interest in the sport.

Races like the Triple Crown add to the sport’s popularity. Despite the game rules remaining the same for the past century, modern technological advances have benefited the sports. For example, contemporary veterinary practices allow owners to tell the conditions of their horses and apply corrective measures before getting on the track.

Fans who bet have also benefited from these technological advancements, especially because of the rise of online platforms. You can wager on your favorite horse race from anywhere, anytime. This has enhanced access to information on crucial aspects which improves the punters’ experiences.

Most Popular Horse Racing Sports

Kentucky Derby

This happens every first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Kentucky. It is the first jewel of the Triple Crown and runs 1.25 miles, forming the longest race of the three. Also referred to as ‘The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,’ the Derby welcomes over 150,000 fans. The Kentucky Derby betting odds often provide a guide on who is likely to shine but the unpredictable nature of the race is what makes it so special.

Ranked as the most-watched and most-attended race in the US, the Derby has been run yearly since its launch. After a two-week Kentucky Derby Festival, this horse race welcomes competitions of three-year-old Thoroughbreds.

Spectators are usually treated to traditional beverages like the mint julep, a combination of bourbon, sugar syrup, and mint. You will also find the burgoo, a popular Kentucky dish comprising a thick stew of beef, pork, chicken, and vegetables.

The Preakness Stakes

Held yearly every third Saturday in May, the Preakness Stakes race happens at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It is run over 13⁄16 miles and is the second jewel of the Triple Crown.

There’s a common practice, which began in 1909, that happens during the event after a winner has been declared. A painter will ascend the ladder to the top of a recreation of the Old Clubhouse cupola and apply the colors of the victorious owner’s silks.

Previously, audiences would sing the third verse of Maryland, My Maryland, after horses were called to the post. This anthem was also sung by the Baltimore Colts’ Marching Band and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club and was later discontinued in 2020.

The Belmont Stakes

Happening three weeks after the Preakness Stakes, the Belmont Stakes is run at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. At a distance of 1.5 miles, it is the longest and oldest leg of the Triple Crown. The colts weigh 126 pounds, while the fillies weigh 121 pounds.

Often nicknamed The Run for the Carnations, this horse race covers a full lap of Belmont Park. The race has continued to captivate viewers across multiple divides, attracting over 3.82 million views on ABC. The 2024’s event was temporarily transferred to Saratoga Race Course as the Belmont Park was set for renovations.

In summary, sporting events continue to draw many Americans’ attention because of their energetic and entertaining experiences. Horse racing, for example, often has tight races like the Triple Crown that have remained an international attraction.