As technology continues to advance, horse racing and horse betting are evolving in incredible ways. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of these activities or it’s your first foray into the exciting world of equestrian sports, the Internet has got all the information you need to get up to speed. From generous bookmaker offers to extra places guides, there’s no shortage of helpful online content which can significantly improve your betting experience. But what are the most thrilling horse racing events in the US that deserve your attention?
From the legendary Kentucky Derby to lesser-known local races, there are plenty of amazing events in the United States. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the country’s most acclaimed horse racing events and explore what makes them so special. If you’ve ever dreamed about heading to an exciting racetrack event in person or watching one unfold from afar, buckle up because we’re taking you on tour through some of America’s greatest horseracing traditions!
The Kentucky Derby
This prestigious horse racing event takes place annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, Louisville. An integral part of American sporting culture, it attracts thousands of attendees every year and is one of the most celebrated horse races globally. The race covers a distance of 1 ¼ miles, often described as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” and is open to three-year-old thoroughbreds.
The Kentucky Derby saw its first-ever run in 1875, with Aristides winning and has since grown exponentially into more than just a sport. It has become an institution that brings people from all over America and beyond together. Known for its high-fashion glamour, singing “My Old Kentucky Home” before the race starts, and sipping on mint juleps, it’s an event not to be missed.
As an important aspect of Americana culture, attending the spectacle will provide memories that last a lifetime.
The Preakness Stakes
This prestigious annual event is considered one of the most significant crowd-pullers in America’s horse racing calendar. Reigning as a middle leg in the triple crown, this race has captured the hearts of many with its legacy, glamour, and fierce competition. It is an event where racing enthusiasts flock to attend and witness history in motion.
The Preakness Stakes attracts thousands of spectators nationwide each year, taking place at Maryland’s Pimlico Race Course. The jewel-toned blankets awarded to winners are one of the identifying features of this esteemed race. These blankets are crafted with black-eyed susans, which is Maryland’s state flower, mimicking the Kentucky Derby’s iconic rose garlands.
Security measures for this classic race are on high alert, incorporating air patrols and sniffer dogs to mitigate any potential danger. In recent years, there has been much contemplation over whether or not the location should be relocated – this was unsurprising considering structural deterioration and ageing conditions were present.
One prominent story surrounding The Preakness Stakes revolves around secretariat winner “Smarty Jones”, who decisively won all nine races leading up to it in 2004. Unlike many other horses that spend an extensive period receiving training rest between races, Smarty Jones raced nearly every month; his thick bones and sturdy physique attested to his amazing skill and strength. His win streak captured America’s heart and earned him Horse of the Year honours.
The Belmont Stakes
The oldest stakes race in the United States, this event is a Grade I Thoroughbred horse race named after August Belmont Jr. This 1.5 mile race is the final leg of the Triple Crown and is held annually at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The event’s purse exceeds $1 million, attracting some of the finest horses from around the world.
The Belmont Stakes is known for its unique history, including Secretariat’s record-breaking win in 1973 when he became the first horse to run a Sub-2:30 race over 1.5 miles. The event has also been closely associated with other iconic horses like Affirmed, Seattle Slew, and American Pharoah who all clinched their Triple Crowns in this contest.
Belmont Stakes features several traditional activities such as singing ‘New York, New York’ after every race and presenting a white carnation blanket to honour victors who win the day’s feature race. Notably, the racetrack holds more than 90,000 enthusiastic fans annually and offers many facilities like grandstands that provide optimal views of the track racing action.
Did you know that “Belmont Stakes” was given its name by William Rendu Jr. who had bought some of O.H.P Belmont’s breeding stock after his death? He was so impressed by part of Belmont’s breeding operation that he named his own stable “Belmont,” referring to his admiration for August Belmont Jr. ‘s horsemanship skills.
