Horse racing is a popular sport in the United States, with the majority of states having at least one professional track. But does Massachusetts have horse racing? The answer is yes, there are several racetracks located in Massachusetts and a few more located just over the border in nearby states.
Live Horse Racing Tracks in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) is responsible for the regulation of all horse racing in the state. There are three active tracks in Massachusetts:
- Suffolk Downs in East Boston is a thoroughbred racetrack owned by Sterling Suffolk Racecourse LLC that opened in 1935. It is a one-mile dirt track and holds live racing from April to October.
- Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville is owned by Penn National Gaming and opened in 2015. It is a one-mile dirt oval track that holds live racing from April to November.
- Raynham/Taunton Greyhound Park in Raynham is owned by Raynham Park LLC and opened in 1921. It is a one-mile dirt oval track that holds live racing from April to October.
Simulcast Horse Racing in Massachusetts
In addition to the three live racing tracks, there are also several simulcast horse racing facilities located in Massachusetts. These facilities allow patrons to wager on races from around the country and the world. The MTHA lists the following simulcast facilities in the state:
- Raynham/Taunton Greyhound Park in Raynham
- Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville
- Linda’s Restaurant & Sports Pub in Hudson
- Suffolk Downs in East Boston
- Leominster Racing in Leominster
- The Sports Haven in Worcester
- Taunton Sports Bar & Grill in Taunton
- Northfield Park in Northfield
Off-Track Betting in Massachusetts
Off-track betting (OTB) is a type of wagering on horse racing that takes place away from the physical racetrack. Massachusetts has several OTB facilities located throughout the state:
- The Sports Haven in Worcester
- Raynham Dog Track in Raynham
- Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville
- Suffolk Downs in East Boston
- Taunton Racecourse in Taunton
- Leominster Racing in Leominster
- Linda’s Restaurant & Sports Pub in Hudson
- Northfield Park in Northfield
- Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York
- Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida
Horse Racing Events in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) hosts several major horse racing events throughout the year. The most popular events are the Mass Cap Stakes, the Massachusetts Handicap, and the New England Classic.
The Mass Cap Stakes is a Grade 3 Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds and older, held annually in May at Suffolk Downs. The Massachusetts Handicap is a Grade 2 Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds and older, held annually in June at Suffolk Downs. The New England Classic is a Grade 3 Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds and older, held annually in October at Suffolk Downs.
Horse Racing Betting in Massachusetts
Horse racing betting is legal in Massachusetts, and there are several ways to place bets on horse races at the racetracks and OTB facilities. The most common type of betting is win, place, and show wagering, which involves picking the horse that will finish first, second, and third, respectively. Other types of wagering include exacta, trifecta, and superfecta betting.
Online Horse Racing Betting in Massachusetts
Online horse racing betting is legal in Massachusetts, and there are several licensed online betting sites in the state. These sites allow bettors to place wagers on horse races from around the world, as well as Massachusetts racetracks.
Horse Racing Breeding in Massachusetts
Horse racing breeding is legal in Massachusetts, and there are several major breeding farms located in the state. These farms specialize in the breeding of racing horses and Thoroughbreds, and they also offer sales and other services related to horse racing.
Horse Racing Organizations in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) is the primary organization responsible for the regulation of horse racing in the state. The MTHA also hosts several major horse racing events throughout the year, including the Mass Cap Stakes, the Massachusetts Handicap, and the New England Classic.
Conclusion
To conclude, Massachusetts does have horse racing. There are three active tracks in the state, and several more located in nearby states. In addition, there are several simulcast and off-track betting facilities, as well as several major horse racing events hosted by the MTHA. Online horse racing betting is also legal in the state, as well as horse racing breeding and organizations.