Horse racing is one of the most popular sports in the United States, with millions of spectators and billions of dollars wagered every year. Horse racing has a long and fascinating history, and has been a part of American culture for centuries. From the wild and exciting days of the early American West to the glamour and prestige of the Kentucky Derby, horse racing remains a beloved pastime for many. In this article, we will explore the history, popularity, and future of horse racing in the USA.
History of Horse Racing in the USA
The history of horse racing in the USA dates back centuries, with the earliest races taking place in the 1700s. The first official race track in the USA was established in 1665, in Salisbury, Massachusetts. As horse racing gained popularity, tracks began to open up in cities and towns across the country. The Kentucky Derby, the most famous horse race in the USA, has been held annually since 1875.
Popularity of Horse Racing
Horse racing is one of the most popular sports in the USA. According to the Jockey Club, the number of registered race horses in the USA has increased steadily over the past decade. In 2020, there were over 100,000 registered race horses in the USA.
In addition to the large number of race horses, horse racing also attracts millions of spectators every year. The Kentucky Derby, which is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is the most popular horse racing event in the USA, attracting over 150,000 spectators every year. The Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes are also popular events, drawing crowds of over 100,000 people.
Wagering on Horse Racing
In addition to the large number of spectators, horse racing also attracts billions of dollars in wagers every year. According to the American Gaming Association, over $14 billion was wagered on horse racing in the USA in 2019.
Horse racing wagers can be made at the track, online, or through an off-track betting facility. Some of the most popular types of wagers include win, place, and show bets, as well as trifecta and exacta bets.
Types of Horse Racing
There are various types of horse racing in the USA, including:
- Thoroughbred Racing: Thoroughbred racing is the most popular type of horse racing in the USA. Thoroughbreds are fast, powerful horses that are bred specifically for racing. The Kentucky Derby is the most famous thoroughbred race in the USA.
- Harness Racing: Harness racing is a type of horse racing in which the horses pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. Harness races are typically run at a slower pace than thoroughbred races, and the horses typically wear a type of harness called a trotter.
- Steeplechase Racing: Steeplechase racing is a type of horse racing that involves horses jumping over obstacles such as fences and ditches. Steeplechase races are typically held in the spring and fall.
Horse Racing in the Media
Horse racing is featured prominently in the media, with many television networks broadcasting major races such as the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Horse racing also receives significant coverage from newspapers and magazines, and is a popular topic of discussion on sports radio programs.
Horse Racing Events
The major horse racing events in the USA include:
- The Kentucky Derby: The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in the USA, and is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby is often referred to as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”
- The Preakness Stakes: The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown, and is held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
- The Belmont Stakes: The Belmont Stakes is the final leg of the Triple Crown, and is held annually at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.
- The Breeders’ Cup: The Breeders’ Cup is an annual event that features some of the best horses in the world. The Breeders’ Cup is held at different tracks across the USA each year.
Future of Horse Racing
Despite the popularity of horse racing in the USA, the sport has seen a decline in recent years. According to the Jockey Club, the number of registered race horses in the USA has declined by over 20% since 2008. Additionally, wagering on horse racing in the USA has declined by nearly 50% since 2003.
Despite these declines, horse racing remains a popular and beloved sport in the USA. In order to ensure the future of the sport, many tracks have implemented new safety measures and regulations, and have focused on increasing the number of races and the amount of prize money offered.
Conclusion
Horse racing is a beloved sport in the USA, with a long and fascinating history. Horse racing attracts millions of spectators and billions of dollars in wagers every year, and continues to be a popular pastime in the USA. In order to ensure the future of the sport, tracks have implemented new safety measures and regulations, and have focused on increasing the number of races and the amount of prize money offered.
References
- American Gaming Association. (2020). State of the States 2020: The AGA Report on the Casino Industry. Retrieved from https://americangaming.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2020_AGA_State_of_the_States.pdf
- Jockey Club. (2020). 2020 Fact Book. Retrieved from https://www.jockeyclub.com/assets/1/7/FactBook_2020.pdf