The sport of horse racing has a long and storied history in the state of New York. As one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the state, it is no surprise that there are many horse racing tracks located in New York. In this article, we will explore the various horse racing tracks located in New York and the unique experience each track offers its visitors.
List of Horse Racing Tracks in New York
There are a total of nine horse racing tracks located in the state of New York. These tracks include:
- Belmont Park – located in Elmont, NY
- Aqueduct Racetrack – located in Queens, NY
- Saratoga Race Course – located in Saratoga Springs, NY
- Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack – located in Farmington, NY
- Batavia Downs – located in Batavia, NY
- Monticello Raceway – located in Monticello, NY
- Tioga Downs – located in Nichols, NY
- Vernon Downs – located in Vernon, NY
- Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack – located in Farmington, NY
Belmont Park
Belmont Park is the most famous of the horse racing tracks located in New York. Located in Elmont, Belmont Park is the host of the Belmont Stakes, the third and final jewel of the Triple Crown. This iconic horse racing event has been held at Belmont Park since 1905 and is the longest running sporting event in the state. Visitors to Belmont Park can also enjoy a variety of other horse racing events throughout the year, as well as a variety of restaurants and shopping outlets.
Aqueduct Racetrack
Aqueduct Racetrack is located in Queens, New York and is one of the oldest horse racing tracks in the United States. Built in 1894, Aqueduct is the only horse racing track in New York City and is home to the famed Wood Memorial Stakes. Aqueduct also holds a variety of other horse racing events throughout the year, such as the Gotham Stakes, the Carter Handicap, and the Resorts World Casino New York City New York Derby.
Saratoga Race Course
Saratoga Race Course is located in Saratoga Springs, New York and is the site of the oldest continuously operating horse racing track in the United States. Established in 1863, Saratoga is home to the iconic Travers Stakes, the oldest major thoroughbred horse race in the country. Saratoga also hosts a variety of other horse racing events throughout the year, such as the Alabama Stakes, the Woodward Stakes, and the Spinaway Stakes.
Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack
Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack is located in Farmington, New York and is the state’s oldest operating horse racing track. Established in 1962, Finger Lakes is home to a variety of horse racing events throughout the year, such as the New York Derby, the Finger Lakes Derby, and the Finger Lakes Stakes.
Batavia Downs
Batavia Downs is located in Batavia, New York and is one of the newest horse racing tracks in the state. Established in 1940, Batavia Downs is home to a variety of horse racing events throughout the year, such as the Batavia Stakes, the Genesee Valley Stakes, and the Batavia Breeders’ Cup.
Monticello Raceway
Monticello Raceway is located in Monticello, New York and is home to a variety of horse racing events, such as the Monticello Cup, the Monticello Futurity, and the Monticello Derby.
Tioga Downs
Tioga Downs is located in Nichols, New York and is home to a variety of horse racing events, such as the Tioga Derby, the Tioga Futurity, and the Tioga Stakes.
Vernon Downs
Vernon Downs is located in Vernon, New York and is home to a variety of horse racing events, such as the Vernon Derby, the Vernon Futurity, and the Vernon Stakes.
Special Events and Activities at Horse Racing Tracks in New York
In addition to the variety of horse racing events held at each of the nine horse racing tracks in New York, visitors to these tracks can also enjoy a variety of special events and activities. Many of the tracks host live music events, food and beverage tastings, and family-friendly activities such as pony rides and petting zoos. Visitors can also take advantage of the various dining and shopping outlets located onsite at each of the tracks.
Conclusion
The sport of horse racing has a long and storied history in the state of New York. There are nine horse racing tracks located throughout the state, each offering a unique experience for its visitors. Whether it’s the iconic Belmont Park, the historic Saratoga Race Course, or one of the other seven tracks, visitors to New York’s horse racing tracks are sure to have a memorable experience.