The first horse racing track in North America was constructed in Long Island in 1665. Ever since, the breeding and racing of Thoroughbreds has contributed to the entertainment and economic growth of the states. While it’s only been won 13 times since its inception in 1919, every time the Triple Crown events come around in May, gamblers cannot resist betting on their favorite colt or filly to win it all. Enthusiasts are eager to find the next Secretariat to cheer over the finish line, but with his legendary 31-length win in 1973 still being the world record, we may be in for a wait. The American thoroughbred racing scene continues to be a captivating blend of athletic competition and strategic gambling.
In the US, horse race gambling regulations vary by state. Currently, horse racing betting is allowed in 41 states, and it’s safe to say that number will rise in the coming years. For those in states without legalized wagering, the top offshore online platforms can be found on Readwrite, which offer another avenue for legal betting. With these sites, those looking to get involved and bet on the races are not without options. Sports betting expert Lewis Humphries says many of these platforms even allow cryptocurrency payments, providing more secure, faster payouts. This means the excitement of a win doesn’t have to be hampered by waiting for your winnings.
Before placing a bet, research the horses and jockeys involved. Many resources offer past performance data, trainer insights, and track conditions. This aids handicapping: the process of analyzing factors to predict race outcomes. Start with simpler bets like Win, Place, and Show, which require a chosen horse to finish first, second, or third respectively. More complex wagers offer higher potential payouts but require accurately predicting multiple finishing positions.
So far in 2024 we have had some serious excitement on the tracks. The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby provided a heart-stopping finish, with Mystik Dan, ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr edging out two challengers in a photo finish. Mystik Dan entered the race as an underdog at 18-1. He proved doubters wrong with a late surge down the rail, narrowly defeating favorites Fierceness (3-1), Sierra Leone (9-1), and Forever Young (6-1). The close finish required a photo review to determine the winner. Hernandez, celebrating on the podium, had a lot to say about his mount. “Going into the stretch, I felt something special,” he said. “I urged Mystik Dan forward, and he responded magnificently. We had a real shot, and he ran his heart out.” Mystik Dan’s trainer, Ken McPeek, is now the first trainer since 1952 to win the Oaks and Derby in the same year. He’s definitely a talent to watch.
The 2024 Preakness Stakes featured another close finish. Seize the Grey (9-1) won the event in 1 minute 56.12 seconds, having started strong. Mystic Dan (6-1) was still in the winnings, a mere 2 ¼ lengths behind, but sadly wasn’t destined for Triple Crown glory.
The Belmont Stakes concluded the Triple Crown with surprising results. The odds were against him, but Dornoch, ridden by Luis Saez came up from the rear to win with his 17-1 odds, Mindframe (5-1) close behind. The near winner from the Kentucky Derby Sierra Leone (8-5) took home third. Luis Saez took home his second Belmont Stakes victory, and trainer Danny Gargan his first.
While the odds may have been against many gamblers, this year’s triple crown season showed the best of the best in the horse racing world. It exemplified the heart of the industry. Who doesn’t love an underdog? It just goes to show that regardless of your research, and the odds, anything can happen. Whether you’re there in person, making a wager at the tracks, or you’re on your favorite anonymous casino platform weighing up your options, one thing is true. It’s the anticipation to see which horse flies over that finish line that truly matters.