Horse racing is an exciting sport that has been enjoyed by millions of people for centuries. It is a sport that has become popular in many countries around the world, and the United States is no exception. With over 200 horse race tracks located in the US, there is no shortage of places to experience the thrill of horse racing. Here is a look at some of the states that have horse race tracks and their respective tracks.
California
California is home to a number of horse race tracks, with the most popular being Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress, Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley, and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar. Santa Anita Park is the oldest race track in California, having been opened in 1934, and it is known for its iconic Art Deco grandstand. Los Alamitos Race Course is the only quarter horse race track in the state, and it is known for its high-stakes races, such as the Los Alamitos Super Derby and the Los Alamitos Futurity. Golden Gate Fields is the only major track in the San Francisco Bay Area and it is known for its beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Finally, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club hosts the famous Del Mar Futurity and the Del Mar Derby, two of the most prestigious races in the nation.
New York
New York is home to some of the most iconic horse race tracks in the country, including Belmont Park in Elmont, Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, and Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. Belmont Park is the oldest and most prestigious race track in New York, having been opened in 1905. It is the home of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown. Saratoga Race Course is the oldest continually operated race track in the United States, and it is known for its world-class thoroughbred races, such as the Travers Stakes and the Whitney Stakes. Aqueduct Racetrack is the only thoroughbred track in New York City and it is known for its high-stakes races, such as the Cigar Mile and the Carter Handicap.
Kentucky
Kentucky is the home of some of the most famous horse race tracks in the world, including Churchill Downs in Louisville, Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky Downs in Franklin, and Turfway Park in Florence. Churchill Downs is the home of the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown. It is also known for its iconic Twin Spires and is the most visited race track in the world. Keeneland is known for its world-class thoroughbred races, such as the Blue Grass Stakes and the Breeder’s Cup. Kentucky Downs is the only race track in the state to feature a European-style turf course, and it is known for its high-stakes races, such as the Kentucky Turf Cup and the Kentucky Derby Prep. Finally, Turfway Park is the only harness racing track in the state and it is known for its high-stakes races, such as the Lane’s End Stakes and the Turfway Park Derby.
Illinois
Illinois is home to some of the most popular horse race tracks in the country, including Arlington Park in Arlington Heights, Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero, and Fairmount Park in Collinsville. Arlington Park is the home of the Arlington Million, the world’s first million dollar thoroughbred race. It is also known for its iconic Twin Spires and is the most visited race track in the state. Hawthorne Race Course is the oldest continually operated race track in the United States, and it is known for its high-stakes races, such as the Hawthorne Gold Cup and the Hawthorne Derby. Finally, Fairmount Park is the only harness racing track in the state, and it is known for its high-stakes races, such as the Fairmount Futurity and the Fairmount Derby.
Conclusion
Horse racing is a popular sport that has been enjoyed by millions of people for centuries. The United States is home to over 200 horse race tracks, with the most popular being located in California, New York, Kentucky, and Illinois. Each of these states have a number of iconic and prestigious tracks, including Santa Anita Park, Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, and Arlington Park. Whether you are an experienced fan of horse racing or are just looking for an exciting day at the track, these states have some of the best horse race tracks in the world.