Horse racing is a popular sport in the United States, with millions of people attending races each year and millions of dollars wagered on the outcome. Horse racing has been a part of American culture since colonial times, when the first races were organized in 1665 in New York.
Over the years, the sport has evolved and changed, and today there are a variety of different types of races held throughout the year in the US. In this article, we’ll take a look at how many horse races are held in the US each year and what types of races are most popular.
Types of Horse Races in the US
There are several different types of horse races in the US, each with their own rules and regulations. The most common types of races are:
- Thoroughbred racing – Thoroughbreds are the most popular type of racing horse in the US, and races are held all year round. These races are held on either dirt or turf tracks, and the most popular races include the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
- Harness racing – Harness racing is a type of racing where horses pull a two-wheeled cart or sulky, and are usually raced at a trot or a pace. Races are held in different parts of the country, and the most popular event is the Hambletonian Stakes.
- Quarter Horse racing – Quarter Horse racing is a type of racing involving horses that are bred for speed over short distances. Races are usually held on dirt tracks, and the most popular race is the All American Futurity.
- Steeplechase racing – Steeplechase racing is a type of racing that involves horses running over a course consisting of fences, water jumps, and other obstacles. Races are usually held in the spring and summer, and the most popular race is the Grand National.
Number of Horse Races in the US Each Year
The exact number of horse races in the US each year varies, depending on the type of race and the location. According to the most recent data from the Jockey Club, there were approximately 30,000 races held in the US in 2019.
The majority of these races were Thoroughbred races, with 21,500 Thoroughbred races held in 2019. This was followed by 4,500 Harness races, 2,500 Quarter Horse races, and 1,500 Steeplechase races.
Most Popular Horse Races in the US
The most popular horse races in the US are the Triple Crown races, which consist of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. These three races are held every year and attract large crowds of spectators and wagers.
In addition to the Triple Crown races, there are several other popular races held throughout the year. These include the Breeders’ Cup, which is a two-day event held in November, the Hambletonian Stakes, the All American Futurity, the Grand National, and the Travers Stakes.
Horse Racing Schedules
The horse racing schedule in the US varies from state to state, and you can find out the schedule for each state by visiting the website of the state racing commission. Generally, races are held on weekends and some holidays, with the majority of races taking place in the spring and summer months.
Betting on Horse Races
Betting on horse races is a popular pastime in the US, and there are a variety of different ways to bet on the outcome of a race. The most common type of betting is win-place-show betting, where you can bet on a horse to win, place, or show. In addition, you can also bet on exacta and trifecta boxes, which involve picking the top two or three finishers in a race.
Horse Racing Tracks in the US
There are hundreds of horse racing tracks in the US, ranging from small local tracks to larger, more well-known tracks. The most well-known tracks are the Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky (home of the Kentucky Derby), the Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, and the Belmont Park in Elmont, New York (home of the Belmont Stakes).
Horse Racing Organizations in the US
There are several organizations in the US that are dedicated to the sport of horse racing. The Jockey Club, based in Lexington, Kentucky, is the governing body for Thoroughbred racing in the US, while the United States Trotting Association is the governing body for Harness racing. The American Quarter Horse Association is the governing body for Quarter Horse racing, and the National Steeplechase Association is the governing body for Steeplechase racing.
Horse Racing Events in the US
In addition to the many horse races held throughout the year, there are several major horse racing events in the US. The Breeders’ Cup is a two-day event held in November each year, and features some of the best horses in the world competing for a large purse. The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in the US, and is held each year in May at Churchill Downs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are thousands of horse races held in the US each year, including Thoroughbred, Harness, Quarter Horse, and Steeplechase races. The most popular races are the Triple Crown races and the Breeders’ Cup, and there are several organizations and events dedicated to the sport. With so many races to choose from, there’s something for every horse racing fan in the US.