The 5 Biggest Horse Races in the USA
By
Amelia Walker
Senior Content Writer Updated: 24 November 2023
Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer
Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.
Biggest Horse Races
- Famous Horse Races in the USA
- Types of Horse Races in the USA
- The Kentucky Derby: An Overview
- Preakness Stakes: What to Know
- Belmont Stakes Basics
- Breeders’ Cup: A Deep Dive
- Travers Stakes: The Midsummer Derby
- Frequently Asked Questions
If you love the thrill of horse racing, today’s blog on the biggest horse races in the USA is one you won’t want to miss. We’re diving into the most famous horse races that make the USA a hot spot for horse racing. From the excitement of the Triple Crown to the glamor of the Breeders’ Cup, there’s something for everyone. Ready to learn about the most famous horse races in the USA? Then saddle up, and let’s get started!
Famous Horse Races in the USA
If you want to know about the crème de la crème of US horse racing, then you’ll want to stick with us, as that’s what we’ll be looking at today; the most famous horse races in the USA. We’ll cover a wide variety of races, from the Triple Crown series – consisting of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes – to the Breeders’ Cup, and more.
Plus, if you’re looking for Maryland online sports betting – or betting in any other state – make sure to check out our recommended sports betting sites, as these are all hand-picked by our team of online gambling experts.
Types of Horse Races in the USA
In the USA, horse racing is not just one-size-fits-all. There are various types of horse racing, with different styles appealing to different people. In this section of our guide to top horse races in the USA, we’ll look at some different types of horse races in the USA. Firstly, there’s flat racing—the most popular and the type you’re likely most familiar with. The horses run on a flat track, usually turf or dirt, and the fastest one wins.
Next are steeplechase races. These are similar to flat racing but with obstacles! Horses must jump over hurdles and water jumps. It’s exciting to watch but also requires a different skill set for both jockeys and horses. There is also significant opposition to this type of horse racing as some animal rights activists call it cruel, due to the high number of injured horses the races can produce.
Next, there’s harness racing. In this type, horses pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. The horses trot or pace but they’re not allowed to break into a full gallop. It’s a much rarer form of horse racing, but it’s equally entertaining to watch.
Then, you’ve got quarter horse racing, which is all about speed over short distances, usually a quarter of a mile. And then, finally, there’s endurance racing, where the distance can go up to 100 miles! Again, this is a much less common type of horse racing – but it’s equally worth checking out if you have the chance!
The Kentucky Derby: An Overview
The first horse race we’re looking at today is the Kentucky Derby – the one that kicks off the Triple Crown! Held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, it’s often called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” – and for good reason! With 20 horses on the track, it’s a fast-paced, high-energy event, and it’s arguably the best-known horse race in the US.
The race covers a distance of 1.25 miles, and it’s open to three-year-old thoroughbreds. The Kentucky Derby has a rich history, dating back to 1875. Secretariat holds the record for the fastest time, covering the distance in just under two minutes in 1973.
Plus, when it comes to prize money, it’s a huge payday for winning jockeys and owners; in 2021, for example, the prize pool was worth $3 million, with the winner taking home $1.86 million. Many bookmakers run special promos on the Kentucky Derby, too – so it’s also one of the most popular American horse races with punters!
Preakness Stakes: What to Know
Right after the Kentucky Derby comes the Preakness Stakes. It takes place on the third Saturday in May at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The race is a bit shorter than the Derby, covering 1.2 miles.
Unlike the Derby, the Preakness has a more laid-back atmosphere. But don’t let that fool you; the competition is fierce. The Preakness is crucial for any horse vying for the Triple Crown, making it a must-watch.
The Black-Eyed Susan cocktail is the drink of choice here, and you’ll see a sea of colorful, less-formal attire compared to the Derby. The event is also known for its infield fest—a party right in the middle of the racetrack – and if ever have the chance to visit, it’s highly recommended to check it out! Here are some interesting facts about the Preakness Stakes:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Fastest time | Secretariat, 1:53 in 1973 |
| Most wins by a jockey | Eddie Arcaro, 6 wins |
| Infield fest | A huge party in the center of the racetrack |
| Black-Eyed Susan | The official drink of the Preakness |
| Youngest winning jockey | James “Soup” Perkins, aged 15 in 1895 |
Belmont Stakes Basics
The last leg of the Triple Crown is the Belmont Stakes, held three weeks after the Preakness. Held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, this is the oldest of the three races, first run in 1867.
What sets the Belmont apart? It’s the longest of the Triple Crown races, at 1.5 miles. This one’s often called the “Test of the Champion” because it requires great stamina and determination from both horse and jockey.
The atmosphere is a mix of excitement and tension, as all eyes are on the potential Triple Crown winner. The event has its own signature drink, and like the previous two races we’ve covered, there’s a huge amount of betting action to look forward to!
Breeders’ Cup: A Deep Dive
Now that we’ve covered the Triple Crown, it’s time to take a look at a couple of other notable US horse races. The first one we’ll look at is the Breeders’ Cup – known to many as the All-Star game of horse racing, bringing together top thoroughbreds from around the world. The event takes place annually in late October or early November and rotates between different racetracks in the US.
The Breeders’ Cup was first run in 1984, and it aimed to be the end-of-year championship for North American thoroughbred racing. It succeeded, and today attracts elite horses from Europe, Asia, and beyond.
The event is spread over two days and features 14 different races, including the Breeders’ Cup Classic, which is the grand finale. The races vary in distance and surface – turf or dirt.
The prize money is also incredibly impressive; it averages out to around $31 million per event, and in 2021, the Breeders’ Cup Classic alone had a winning payday of $6 million!
Travers Stakes: The Midsummer Derby
The Travers Stakes, often dubbed the “Midsummer Derby,” is another major US horse race you should definitely check out if you ever have the chance. Held annually at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, this race is a big deal in the horse racing calendar.
The race usually takes place at the end of August, right in the middle of the summer. It gives three-year-old thoroughbreds another chance to shine, especially those who may have missed out on the Triple Crown races or are peaking later in the season.
The Travers Stakes has been around for quite some time – since 1864, to be exact. That makes it one of the oldest thoroughbred horse races in the United States. It covers a distance of 1.25 miles, the same as the Kentucky Derby. But unlike the Derby, the Travers Stakes is often less crowded, usually featuring a field of around eight to twelve horses. This makes for a different kind of race strategy, both for jockeys and bettors.
There are several unique features about the race – but the most iconic, perhaps, is the canoe in the infield pond. Yes, you heard that right – a canoe! It gets painted in the colors of the winning owner’s silks each year. It’s a quirky tradition, but one that adds a fun twist to the event.
If you’re looking to bet, you should know that the Travers Stakes often has some pretty surprising outcomes. Unlike the Triple Crown races where favorites often win, the Travers has a history of long shots stealing the show. If you enjoy calculating odds and rooting for long shots, this race could be a thrilling one to follow!
In terms of atmosphere, Saratoga Springs goes all out for the Travers Stakes. The town is a hub of horse racing history, and you can feel the excitement in the air as the race approaches. From special events in town to a bustling social scene at the track, there’s a lot going on – and even the trophy, the Man o’ War Cup, named after the legendary racehorse Man o’ War, is a sight to behold!
