{"id":34,"count":3,"description":"<h1>Horse Racing - Betting on Horse Races<\/h1>\r\nThe history of horse racing in the United States is a long one, dating back to colonial times. For centuries, world-class horses and jockeys have been competing at some of the most prestigious and historic venues. However, for a lot of people, the world of horse racing is completely alien - and that\u2019s where we come in!\r\n\r\nIn this guide, you\u2019ll learn all about \u201cthe sport of kings\u201d. We\u2019ll first discuss the different types of horse racing and its rich history in the US. Then, we\u2019ll look at some of the most popular races and tracks, as well as how betting on the sport works.\r\n<h2>Top US Horse Racing Betting Sites<\/h2>\r\nBefore we jump into the details of horse racing in the United States, here are some of the best mobile betting sites. Along with odds for the biggest races, both at home and internationally, you can pick up some highly rewarding welcome bonuses.\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent excluded_states=\"AZ,CO,CT,DE,IN,IA,IL,LA,MI,MS,NY,NJ,PA,TN,VI,WV,WY\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"109\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"AZ\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"142\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"CO\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"147\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"CT\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"143\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"DE\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"157\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"IN\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"152\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"IA\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"135\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"IL\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"154\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"LA\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"130\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"MI\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"144\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"MS\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"155\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"NY\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"127\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"NJ\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"91\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"PA\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"117\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"TN\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"153\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"VI\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"150\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"WY\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"156\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n\r\n[tm_geocontent states=\"WV\"]\r\n\r\n[toplist id=\"156\" template=\"bbc_usps_rating\"]\r\n\r\n[\/tm_geocontent]\r\n<h2>Contents<\/h2>\r\nHere\u2019s an overview of what you can expect to find on this page. Feel free to skip ahead to the most interesting bits!\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Types Of Horse Race<\/li>\r\n \t<li>History of US Horse Racing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Popularity of Horse Racing in the United States<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Biggest Horse Races in the USA<\/li>\r\n \t<li>US Horse Racing Calendar<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Major US Race Tracks<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Triple Crown Winners<\/li>\r\n \t<li>How Betting on Horses Works in the USA<\/li>\r\n \t<li>FAQ<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Types Of Horse Race<\/h2>\r\nWhen we talk about horse racing in the United States, we\u2019re usually referring to flat racing. But the best US racebooks offer betting on international events too. There you\u2019ll find all kinds of races, the most common of which fall into three categories.\r\n<h3>Flat Racing<\/h3>\r\nThe most famous thoroughbred horse races in the world are run on flat tracks, without obstacles. Whether it\u2019s the Epsom Derby in the UK, the Dubai World Cup in the UAE or Australia\u2019s Melbourne Cup, they all have one thing in common: a flat surface.\r\n\r\nIn the United States, all of the biggest events are flat races. For instance, the Triple Crown races - the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes - are all run on the flat. Flat racing in the country is overseen by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-419407 size-full\" title=\"Horse Racing\" src=\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sports-betting-horse-racing.jpg\" alt=\"Horse Racing\" width=\"932\" height=\"400\" \/>\r\n<h3>Jumps Racing<\/h3>\r\nAlthough far less common than flat racing these days, there is still a thriving jumps scene around the world. Properly referred to as National Hunt racing, there are different forms, depending on the course. Steeplechasing requires horses to clear much bigger obstacles, called fences. But there are also races which use smaller objects, known as hurdles.\r\n\r\nEither way, horses must complete the course without falling or unseating the rider. But they also run over extremely long distances, far more so than flat racing. One of the most challenging events in the world is the UK\u2019s Grand National. Run at Aintree every year, it features 30 notoriously tricky fences spread over 4 miles and 514 yards. In the USA, the National Steeplechase Association oversees this kind of racing.\r\n<h3>Harness Racing<\/h3>\r\nOften simply referred to as \u201ctrotting\u201d, harness racing involves a horse pulling a jockey along in a two-wheeled cart. In the USA, trotting is restricted to standardbred horses, rather than their thoroughbred counterparts.\r\n\r\nThe sport\u2019s governing body is the US Trotting Association and there are several notable tracks dotted around the country. These include Yonkers Raceway in New York, Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey and The Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky.\r\n<h2>History of US Horse Racing<\/h2>\r\nThe history of horse racing in the United States is older than the country itself, having arrived in the colonies with the British. Here\u2019s a timeline of some key events.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>1665: <\/strong>The earliest recorded horse race takes place in Salisbury, New York.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>1721:<\/strong> One of the first racing organizations, the South Carolina Jockey Club, is established.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>1804: <\/strong>The Washington Jockey Club is formed, further cementing the popularity of horse racing.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>1863:<\/strong> Saratoga Race Course, one of the oldest and most iconic racetracks in the country, opens its doors for the first time.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>1875: <\/strong>Aristides wins the first Kentucky Derby held at Churchill Downs, KY.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>1884: <\/strong>The formation of the American Jockey Club helps to standardize rules and regulations for racing across the United States.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>1908: <\/strong>The American Stud Book is established with the aim of maintaining accurate pedigree records.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>1919:<\/strong> Legendary racehorse Man o' War begins his career.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>1973:<\/strong> Secretariat completes the Triple Crown while posting record-breaking times, solidifying his status as one of the greatest ever racehorses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>2015: <\/strong>American Pharoah ends a 37-year wait for another Triple Crown winner.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Popularity of Horse Racing in the United States<\/h2>\r\nHorse racing has been a key part of the culture for hundreds of years. Unfortunately though, its popularity is on a downward trend. There are many reasons for this, including the old-fashioned language used in the sport, as well as the \u201celitist\u201d feel.\r\n\r\nMany just don\u2019t see racing as a \u201cproper\u201d sport when compared to football, basketball or baseball. And of course, the rise of animal rights activists, who like to focus on the negatives, is tarnishing the industry\u2019s reputation. It\u2019s not all doom and gloom for horse racing in the USA though.\r\n<h3>Facts and Figures<\/h3>\r\nAlthough daily attendances at the country\u2019s 300+ tracks were trending downward pre-COVID, the biggest races continue to thrive. As recently as 2015, a record crowd of 170,513 gathered to witness American Pharoah win the Kentucky Derby and US racing\u2019s ultimate prize.\r\n\r\nEven without the Triple Crown factor, crowds were consistently topping 150,000 right up until the lockdowns. For instance, the 2017 Preakness Stakes set a record attendance of 140,327.\r\n\r\nIn 2012, the horse racing industry in the US was valued at $5.48 billion. In 2019, this had slipped to $4.94 billion - hardly a total disaster. But other key metrics show real growth. Take the amount of prize money available in the sport, for instance. 2022 figures indicated a 35.77% increase, exceeding more than $1.1 billion.\r\n\r\nThe total number of races also rose, by over 20% in fact. So did the average purse size, growing by more than 10%. And from a betting perspective, the total horse racing handle in the United States was over $12.2 billion in 2021. That\u2019s a jump of almost 12% from 2020.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-800532 size-full\" title=\"The popularity of Horse Racing is huge in the United States\" src=\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/horse-racing.gif\" alt=\"The popularity of Horse Racing is huge in the United States\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" \/>\r\n<h2>Biggest Horse Races in the USA<\/h2>\r\nLet\u2019s now learn a little more about some of the biggest events in the US horse racing calendar.\r\n<h3>Kentucky Derby<\/h3>\r\nThe <a title=\"Kentucky Derby Odds \u2013 Your Comprehensive Guide\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/sportsbooks\/kentucky-derby-odds\/\">Kentucky Derby<\/a> is probably the most famous horse race in the country. This 10 furlong dirt race is open to the best three year old colts and fillies. Nicknamed \u201cThe Run for the Roses\u201d, due to the floral blanket draped over the winner, there\u2019s a total purse of $3 million at stake. It is held annually at the world-famous Churchill Downs track in Louisville, Kentucky, and was first run in 1867.\r\n<h3>Kentucky Oaks<\/h3>\r\nThis is essentially the fillies-only equivalent of the Kentucky Derby, held the Friday before the showpiece race. A prestigious Grade 1 in its own right, the winner of this nine furlong contest will pocket a cool $750,000. It also takes place at Churchill Downs, and the first ever Kentucky Oaks was run in 1875.\r\n<h3>Preakness Stakes<\/h3>\r\nA purse of $1.65 million is at stake in the <a title=\"Preakness Odds \u2013 A Complete Guide To Betting on the Race\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/sportsbooks\/preakness-stakes-betting-guide\/\">Preakness Stakes<\/a>, the second leg of the USA\u2019s Triple Crown. Run annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, the race was established back in 1873. It takes place on dirt over a distance of 1 and 3\u204416 miles, or 9.5 furlongs.\r\n<h3>Belmont Stakes<\/h3>\r\nThe final leg of America\u2019s Triple Crown (<a title=\"Belmont Stakes Odds \u2013 The Essential Guide\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/sportsbooks\/belmont-stakes-odds\/\">Belmont Stakes<\/a>) is held every June, at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Established way back in 1867 it is a dirt race, run over 12 furlongs. Open only to three year olds, the total purse is worth $1.5 million. The record time of 2:24 for completing the course is held by the legendary Secretariat.\r\n<h3>Pegasus World Cup<\/h3>\r\nFirst run in 2017, this nine furlong invitational race is open to horses aged four and above. The original idea was to create a valuable race that wouldn\u2019t clash with the Breeders Cup or Dubai World Cup. It gives retiring horses one final swansong before retiring to stud. The first purse was a whopping $12 million, though these days it is set at $3 million.\r\n<h3>Breeders\u2019 Cup<\/h3>\r\nSpread over two days every November, this series of Grade 1 races pits the world\u2019s top thoroughbreds against those from the United States. The venue alternates, with prestigious locations including Churchill Downs, Santa Anita Park and Keeneland all hosting in recent years. Prize pools vary in size, but there\u2019s an impressive $6 million purse for the 10 furlong Breeders' Cup Classic.\r\n<h3>Travers Stakes<\/h3>\r\nNicknamed the \u201cMidsummer Derby\u201d, this 10 furlong Grade 1 race takes place annually at Saratoga Race Course in New York. First run in 1864, it has been won by some legends of the sport, including Man o' War in 1920 and Arrogate in 2016. These days, the total purse is worth $1.25 million and the race takes place on dirt.\r\n<h3>Arlington Million<\/h3>\r\nThis Grade 1 race is held at Colonial Downs in New Kent County, Virginia. However, it was originally run at the now-closed Arlington Park, Illinois, which is where the name comes from. With a $1 million purse, it is open to any horse aged three or older. The race is run on turf over a trip of 1 and \u00bc miles, or 10 furlongs.\r\n<h2>US Horse Racing Calendar<\/h2>\r\nNow that you\u2019re up to speed with the sport\u2019s showpiece events, here\u2019s where they fit into the bigger picture.\r\n\r\n[table id=482 responsive=scroll\/]\r\n<h2>Major US Race Tracks<\/h2>\r\nThere are more than 300 horse racing venues spread throughout the United States. Here\u2019s the lowdown on the country\u2019s biggest tracks.\r\n<h3>Belmont Park<\/h3>\r\nOne of several important race tracks located in New York, Belmont Park can be found in Elmont. Its biggest race is the Belmont Stakes, which forms part of the Triple Crown. But Belmont also hosts the Champagne Stakes, the Metropolitan Handicap and the Belmont Oaks. The huge grandstand is an iconic landmark and in 2004, Belmont saw its biggest ever turnout when 120,139 attended the Belmont Stakes.\r\n<h3>Churchill Downs<\/h3>\r\nHome to two of the USA\u2019s most illustrious races in the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs is a world-famous venue. Known for its towering twin spires, it is also one of the country\u2019s oldest continuously operating race tracks. Opened on May 17, 1875, the race course is situated in Louisville, Kentucky. The course also plays host to other Grade 1 races, including the Clark Handicap and Humana Distaff.\r\n<h3>Del Mar<\/h3>\r\nFound in Del Mar, California, this race track was famously opened by Bing Crosby in 1937. Due to its beachside location, you\u2019ll often hear the catchphrase \u201cWhere the Turf Meets the Surf\u201d used when discussing Del Mar. It is home to prestigious races such as the Pacific Classic and the Del Mar Oaks.\r\n<h3>Gulfstream Park<\/h3>\r\nOpened in 1939, Gulfstream Park can be found in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Its major races include the Florida Derby and the Fountain of Youth Stakes. But more recently, it has become home to the multi-million dollar Pegasus World Cup, which launched in 2017. A record attendance of 26,222 flocked to that inaugural meeting. The venue also houses a large casino.\r\n<h3>Pimlico Racecourse<\/h3>\r\nThis track in Baltimore, Maryland is home to the Preakness Stakes, which makes up the second leg of the Triple Crown. In 2017, a record crowd of 140,327 witnessed Chad Brown\u2019s Cloud Computing beat Classic Empire by a head. Pimlico is also home to several other major fixtures in the US horse racing calendar, including the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and the Dixie Stakes.\r\n<h3>Santa Anita Park<\/h3>\r\nCapable of accommodating more than 85,000 spectators, Santa Anita Park is located in Arcadia, California. It has been selected to host the Breeders\u2019 Cup more than ten times, the most recent of which came in 2023. However, the two biggest races of its own are the Santa Anita Derby and Santa Anita Handicap. A picturesque venue, the stunning San Gabriel Mountains are right on the doorstep.\r\n<h3>Saratoga<\/h3>\r\nOpened in 1863, this track can be found in Saratoga Springs, New York. It is home to 17 Grade 1 races, including the Travers Stakes, Whitney Stakes and more recently, the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Until 2021, the latter had always been run at Belmont Park, but a tweak to the racing calendar saw its relocation.\r\n<h2>Triple Crown Winners<\/h2>\r\nTo date, just thirteen horses have successfully completed the Triple Crown, securing their status as legends of the sport.\r\n\r\n[table id=483 responsive=scroll\/]\r\n<h2>How Betting on Horses Works in the USA<\/h2>\r\nIn the United States, the most common way to bet on horses is pari-mutuel, or pool betting. With this method, all bets are pooled together and shared among the winning tickets. That essentially means that nobody knows what their returns are going to be until after the race is over.\r\n\r\nOther countries, such as the United Kingdom, favor a fixed-odds model. Here, the bookmaker tells you the current price and you can bet at those odds, or take the official starting price instead. This form of betting is only legal in two US states: Colorado and New Jersey.\r\n\r\nFrom the punter\u2019s perspective, fixed-odds are undoubtedly superior. This is backed up by the betting public too. A survey of 1,500 sports bettors suggested that two-thirds would place bets on horses if fixed-odds ever became an option. The same poll found that 83% of existing racing punters wanted to see fixed-odds introduced.\r\n\r\nHowever, the traditional pari-mutuel model is likely to continue to dominate the US horse racing scene for many years to come. A significant proportion of the pari-mutuel betting handle is used to fund racing purses. As such, the sport\u2019s organizers are not keen on introducing any initiatives which may lead to a reduction in turnover.\r\n<h2>Bet On Horse Racing<\/h2>\r\nIf learning about horse racing has whet your appetite to get involved, be sure to join one of our trusted betting sites. Many of these top US racebooks allow you to live stream races. So not only can you place bets at generous odds, you can watch every second of the action.\r\n<h2>FAQ<\/h2>\r\n[faq id=\"800531\"]","link":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/horse-racing\/","name":"Horse Racing","slug":"horse-racing","taxonomy":"category","parent":0,"meta":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Horse Racing Archives - \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 Best Betting Casinos - USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/horse-racing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Horse Racing Archives - \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 Best Betting Casinos - USA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Horse Racing &#8211; Betting on Horse Races The history of horse racing in the United States is a long one, dating back to colonial times. For centuries, world-class horses and jockeys have been competing at some of the most prestigious and historic venues. However, for a lot of people, the world of horse racing is completely alien &#8211; and that\u2019s where we come in! In this guide, you\u2019ll learn all about \u201cthe sport of kings\u201d. We\u2019ll first discuss the different types of horse racing and its rich history in the US. Then, we\u2019ll look at some of the most popular races and tracks, as well as how betting on the sport works. Top US Horse Racing Betting Sites Before we jump into the details of horse racing in the United States, here are some of the best mobile betting sites. Along with odds for the biggest races, both at home and internationally, you can pick up some highly rewarding welcome bonuses.                                  Code: BBCSUSA                                         BetMGM                                                          5\/5                  First Bet,$1500,Paid Back    Play now!                                             99             Points                         Payout Speed                           Payment Methods                                                        Visa                                                    Mastercard                                                    Paypal                                                                  Grab a First Bet Offer up to $1500Excellent sports betting app availableWide range of sports and betting options in the US           BetMGM review                                                                      Code: BBC                                         PointsBet                                                          5\/5                  Up,$2000,Bonus Bet    Play now!                                             98             Points                         Payout Speed                           Payment Methods                                                        Visa                                                    Mastercard                                                    Paypal                                                                  Get two Bonus Bets up to $2000Huge range of sports and betting optionsPromo code: BBC           PointsBet review                                                                      CODE: CZR1000                                         Caesars                                                          5\/5                  Grab up,$1000,in Bonus Bets    Play now!                                             98             Points                         Payout Speed                           Payment Methods                                                        Visa                                                    Mastercard                                                    Paypal                                                                  Receive up to $1000 in Bonus Bets when your first bet missesWide range of betting opportunitiesPromo code: CZR1000           Caesars review                                                                                    DraftKings                                                          5\/5                  Bonus,$1000,20%    Play now!                                             98             Points                         Payout Speed                           Payment Methods                                                        Visa                                                    Mastercard                                                    Paypal                                                                  Get a 20% sports betting bonus up $1000Massive range of sports and marketsDFS and Casino games available           DraftKings review                                                                                    Fanduel                                                          5\/5                  Bonus,$1000,Bet    Play now!                                             98             Points                         Payout Speed                           Payment Methods                                                        Visa                                                    Mastercard                                                    Paypal                                                                  Licensed US SportsbookGet up to $2000 in bonuses and refundsFanduel has a great reputation and excellent customer service.           Fanduel review                                                                      NJ,PA,IN,IO,VA,AZ                                         Unibet                                                          5\/5                  Bonus,$500,Bet    Play now!                                             97             Points                         Payout Speed                           Payment Methods                                                        Visa                                                    Mastercard                                                    Paypal                                                                  Generous first bet offer worth up to $500American and international leagues are well coveredExtremely competitive odds           Unibet review                                                                      NJ Only                                         Borgata                                                          5\/5                  Bonus,$100,Free Bets    Play now!                                             94             Points                         Payout Speed                           Payment Methods                                                        Visa                                                    Mastercard                                                    Paypal                                                                  Wager $20 and get $100 in Free BetsExcellent Sportsbook App for iOS and AndroidPromo code: BORGSBBC           Borgata review                                                            Contents Here\u2019s an overview of what you can expect to find on this page. Feel free to skip ahead to the most interesting bits! Types Of Horse Race History of US Horse Racing Popularity of Horse Racing in the United States Biggest Horse Races in the USA US Horse Racing Calendar Major US Race Tracks Triple Crown Winners How Betting on Horses Works in the USA FAQ Types Of Horse Race When we talk about horse racing in the United States, we\u2019re usually referring to flat racing. But the best US racebooks offer betting on international events too. There you\u2019ll find all kinds of races, the most common of which fall into three categories. Flat Racing The most famous thoroughbred horse races in the world are run on flat tracks, without obstacles. Whether it\u2019s the Epsom Derby in the UK, the Dubai World Cup in the UAE or Australia\u2019s Melbourne Cup, they all have one thing in common: a flat surface. In the United States, all of the biggest events are flat races. For instance, the Triple Crown races &#8211; the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes &#8211; are all run on the flat. Flat racing in the country is overseen by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. Jumps Racing Although far less common than flat racing these days, there is still a thriving jumps scene around the world. Properly referred to as National Hunt racing, there are different forms, depending on the course. Steeplechasing requires horses to clear much bigger obstacles, called fences. But there are also races which use smaller objects, known as hurdles. Either way, horses must complete the course without falling or unseating the rider. But they also run over extremely long distances, far more so than flat racing. One of the most challenging events in the world is the UK\u2019s Grand National. Run at Aintree every year, it features 30 notoriously tricky fences spread over 4 miles and 514 yards. In the USA, the National Steeplechase Association oversees this kind of racing. Harness Racing Often simply referred to as \u201ctrotting\u201d, harness racing involves a horse pulling a jockey along in a two-wheeled cart. In the USA, trotting is restricted to standardbred horses, rather than their thoroughbred counterparts. The sport\u2019s governing body is the US Trotting Association and there are several notable tracks dotted around the country. These include Yonkers Raceway in New York, Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey and The Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky. History of US Horse Racing The history of horse racing in the United States is older than the country itself, having arrived in the colonies with the British. Here\u2019s a timeline of some key events. 1665: The earliest recorded horse race takes place in Salisbury, New York. 1721: One of the first racing organizations, the South Carolina Jockey Club, is established. 1804: The Washington Jockey Club is formed, further cementing the popularity of horse racing. 1863: Saratoga Race Course, one of the oldest and most iconic racetracks in the country, opens its doors for the first time. 1875: Aristides wins the first Kentucky Derby held at Churchill Downs, KY. 1884: The formation of the American Jockey Club helps to standardize rules and regulations for racing across the United States. 1908: The American Stud Book is established with the aim of maintaining accurate pedigree records. 1919: Legendary racehorse Man o&#8217; War begins his career. 1973: Secretariat completes the Triple Crown while posting record-breaking times, solidifying his status as one of the greatest ever racehorses. 2015: American Pharoah ends a 37-year wait for another Triple Crown winner. Popularity of Horse Racing in the United States Horse racing has been a key part of the culture for hundreds of years. Unfortunately though, its popularity is on a downward trend. There are many reasons for this, including the old-fashioned language used in the sport, as well as the \u201celitist\u201d feel. Many just don\u2019t see racing as a \u201cproper\u201d sport when compared to football, basketball or baseball. And of course, the rise of animal rights activists, who like to focus on the negatives, is tarnishing the industry\u2019s reputation. It\u2019s not all doom and gloom for horse racing in the USA though. Facts and Figures Although daily attendances at the country\u2019s 300+ tracks were trending downward pre-COVID, the biggest races continue to thrive. As recently as 2015, a record crowd of 170,513 gathered to witness American Pharoah win the Kentucky Derby and US racing\u2019s ultimate prize. Even without the Triple Crown factor, crowds were consistently topping 150,000 right up until the lockdowns. For instance, the 2017 Preakness Stakes set a record attendance of 140,327. In 2012, the horse racing industry in the US was valued at $5.48 billion. In 2019, this had slipped to $4.94 billion &#8211; hardly a total disaster. But other key metrics show real growth. Take the amount of prize money available in the sport, for instance. 2022 figures indicated a 35.77% increase, exceeding more than $1.1 billion. The total number of races also rose, by over 20% in fact. So did the average purse size, growing by more than 10%. And from a betting perspective, the total horse racing handle in the United States was over $12.2 billion in 2021. That\u2019s a jump of almost 12% from 2020. Biggest Horse Races in the USA Let\u2019s now learn a little more about some of the biggest events in the US horse racing calendar. Kentucky Derby The Kentucky Derby is probably the most famous horse race in the country. This 10 furlong dirt race is open to the best three year old colts and fillies. Nicknamed \u201cThe Run for the Roses\u201d, due to the floral blanket draped over the winner, there\u2019s a total purse of $3 million at stake. It is held annually at the world-famous Churchill Downs track in Louisville, Kentucky, and was first run in 1867. Kentucky Oaks This is essentially the fillies-only equivalent of the Kentucky Derby, held the Friday before the showpiece race. A prestigious Grade 1 in its own right, the winner of this nine furlong contest will pocket a cool $750,000. It also takes place at Churchill Downs, and the first ever Kentucky Oaks was run in 1875. Preakness Stakes A purse of $1.65 million is at stake in the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the USA\u2019s Triple Crown. Run annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, the race was established back in 1873. It takes place on dirt over a distance of 1 and 3\u204416 miles, or 9.5 furlongs. Belmont Stakes The final leg of America\u2019s Triple Crown (Belmont Stakes) is held every June, at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Established way back in 1867 it is a dirt race, run over 12 furlongs. Open only to three year olds, the total purse is worth $1.5 million. The record time of 2:24 for completing the course is held by the legendary Secretariat. Pegasus World Cup First run in 2017, this nine furlong invitational race is open to horses aged four and above. The original idea was to create a valuable race that wouldn\u2019t clash with the Breeders Cup or Dubai World Cup. It gives retiring horses one final swansong before retiring to stud. The first purse was a whopping $12 million, though these days it is set at $3 million. Breeders\u2019 Cup Spread over two days every November, this series of Grade 1 races pits the world\u2019s top thoroughbreds against those from the United States. The venue alternates, with prestigious locations including Churchill Downs, Santa Anita Park and Keeneland all hosting in recent years. Prize pools vary in size, but there\u2019s an impressive $6 million purse for the 10 furlong Breeders&#8217; Cup Classic. Travers Stakes Nicknamed the \u201cMidsummer Derby\u201d, this 10 furlong Grade 1 race takes place annually at Saratoga Race Course in New York. First run in 1864, it has been won by some legends of the sport, including Man o&#8217; War in 1920 and Arrogate in 2016. These days, the total purse is worth $1.25 million and the race takes place on dirt. Arlington Million This Grade 1 race is held at Colonial Downs in New Kent County, Virginia. However, it was originally run at the now-closed Arlington Park, Illinois, which is where the name comes from. With a $1 million purse, it is open to any horse aged three or older. The race is run on turf over a trip of 1 and \u00bc miles, or 10 furlongs. US Horse Racing Calendar Now that you\u2019re up to speed with the sport\u2019s showpiece events, here\u2019s where they fit into the bigger picture. Major US Race Tracks There are more than 300 horse racing venues spread throughout the United States. Here\u2019s the lowdown on the country\u2019s biggest tracks. Belmont Park One of several important race tracks located in New York, Belmont Park can be found in Elmont. Its biggest race is the Belmont Stakes, which forms part of the Triple Crown. But Belmont also hosts the Champagne Stakes, the Metropolitan Handicap and the Belmont Oaks. The huge grandstand is an iconic landmark and in 2004, Belmont saw its biggest ever turnout when 120,139 attended the Belmont Stakes. Churchill Downs Home to two of the USA\u2019s most illustrious races in the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs is a world-famous venue. Known for its towering twin spires, it is also one of the country\u2019s oldest continuously operating race tracks. Opened on May 17, 1875, the race course is situated in Louisville, Kentucky. The course also plays host to other Grade 1 races, including the Clark Handicap and Humana Distaff. Del Mar Found in Del Mar, California, this race track was famously opened by Bing Crosby in 1937. Due to its beachside location, you\u2019ll often hear the catchphrase \u201cWhere the Turf Meets the Surf\u201d used when discussing Del Mar. It is home to prestigious races such as the Pacific Classic and the Del Mar Oaks. Gulfstream Park Opened in 1939, Gulfstream Park can be found in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Its major races include the Florida Derby and the Fountain of Youth Stakes. But more recently, it has become home to the multi-million dollar Pegasus World Cup, which launched in 2017. A record attendance of 26,222 flocked to that inaugural meeting. The venue also houses a large casino. Pimlico Racecourse This track in Baltimore, Maryland is home to the Preakness Stakes, which makes up the second leg of the Triple Crown. In 2017, a record crowd of 140,327 witnessed Chad Brown\u2019s Cloud Computing beat Classic Empire by a head. Pimlico is also home to several other major fixtures in the US horse racing calendar, including the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and the Dixie Stakes. Santa Anita Park Capable of accommodating more than 85,000 spectators, Santa Anita Park is located in Arcadia, California. It has been selected to host the Breeders\u2019 Cup more than ten times, the most recent of which came in 2023. However, the two biggest races of its own are the Santa Anita Derby and Santa Anita Handicap. A picturesque venue, the stunning San Gabriel Mountains are right on the doorstep. Saratoga Opened in 1863, this track can be found in Saratoga Springs, New York. It is home to 17 Grade 1 races, including the Travers Stakes, Whitney Stakes and more recently, the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Until 2021, the latter had always been run at Belmont Park, but a tweak to the racing calendar saw its relocation. Triple Crown Winners To date, just thirteen horses have successfully completed the Triple Crown, securing their status as legends of the sport. How Betting on Horses Works in the USA In the United States, the most common way to bet on horses is pari-mutuel, or pool betting. With this method, all bets are pooled together and shared among the winning tickets. That essentially means that nobody knows what their returns are going to be until after the race is over. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, favor a fixed-odds model. Here, the bookmaker tells you the current price and you can bet at those odds, or take the official starting price instead. This form of betting is only legal in two US states: Colorado and New Jersey. From the punter\u2019s perspective, fixed-odds are undoubtedly superior. This is backed up by the betting public too. A survey of 1,500 sports bettors suggested that two-thirds would place bets on horses if fixed-odds ever became an option. The same poll found that 83% of existing racing punters wanted to see fixed-odds introduced. However, the traditional pari-mutuel model is likely to continue to dominate the US horse racing scene for many years to come. A significant proportion of the pari-mutuel betting handle is used to fund racing purses. As such, the sport\u2019s organizers are not keen on introducing any initiatives which may lead to a reduction in turnover. Bet On Horse Racing If learning about horse racing has whet your appetite to get involved, be sure to join one of our trusted betting sites. Many of these top US racebooks allow you to live stream races. So not only can you place bets at generous odds, you can watch every second of the action. FAQ\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/horse-racing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 Best Betting Casinos - USA\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"CollectionPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/horse-racing\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/horse-racing\/\",\"name\":\"Horse Racing Archives - \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 Best Betting Casinos - USA\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/#website\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/horse-racing\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/horse-racing\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Horse Racing\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/\",\"name\":\"\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 Best Betting Casinos - USA\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Horse Racing Archives - \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 Best Betting Casinos - USA","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/horse-racing\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Horse Racing Archives - \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 Best Betting Casinos - USA","og_description":"Horse Racing &#8211; Betting on Horse Races The history of horse racing in the United States is a long one, dating back to colonial times. For centuries, world-class horses and jockeys have been competing at some of the most prestigious and historic venues. However, for a lot of people, the world of horse racing is completely alien &#8211; and that\u2019s where we come in! In this guide, you\u2019ll learn all about \u201cthe sport of kings\u201d. We\u2019ll first discuss the different types of horse racing and its rich history in the US. Then, we\u2019ll look at some of the most popular races and tracks, as well as how betting on the sport works. Top US Horse Racing Betting Sites Before we jump into the details of horse racing in the United States, here are some of the best mobile betting sites. Along with odds for the biggest races, both at home and internationally, you can pick up some highly rewarding welcome bonuses.                                  Code: BBCSUSA                                         BetMGM                                                          5\/5                  First Bet,$1500,Paid Back    Play now!                                             99             Points                         Payout Speed                           Payment Methods                                                        Visa                                                    Mastercard                                                    Paypal                                                                  Grab a First Bet Offer up to $1500Excellent sports betting app availableWide range of sports and betting options in the US           BetMGM review                                                                      Code: BBC                                         PointsBet                                                          5\/5                  Up,$2000,Bonus Bet    Play now!                                             98             Points                         Payout Speed                           Payment Methods                                                        Visa                                                    Mastercard                                                    Paypal                                                                  Get two Bonus Bets up to $2000Huge range of sports and betting optionsPromo code: BBC           PointsBet review                                                                      CODE: CZR1000                                         Caesars                                                          5\/5                  Grab up,$1000,in Bonus Bets    Play now!                                             98             Points                         Payout Speed                           Payment Methods                                                        Visa                                                    Mastercard                                                    Paypal                                                                  Receive up to $1000 in Bonus Bets when your first bet missesWide range of betting opportunitiesPromo code: CZR1000           Caesars review                                                                                    DraftKings                                                          5\/5                  Bonus,$1000,20%    Play now!                                             98             Points                         Payout Speed                           Payment Methods                                                        Visa                                                    Mastercard                                                    Paypal                                                                  Get a 20% sports betting bonus up $1000Massive range of sports and marketsDFS and Casino games available           DraftKings review                                                                                    Fanduel                                                          5\/5                  Bonus,$1000,Bet    Play now!                                             98             Points                         Payout Speed                           Payment Methods                                                        Visa                                                    Mastercard                                                    Paypal                                                                  Licensed US SportsbookGet up to $2000 in bonuses and refundsFanduel has a great reputation and excellent customer service.           Fanduel review                                                                      NJ,PA,IN,IO,VA,AZ                                         Unibet                                                          5\/5                  Bonus,$500,Bet    Play now!                                             97             Points                         Payout Speed                           Payment Methods                                                        Visa                                                    Mastercard                                                    Paypal                                                                  Generous first bet offer worth up to $500American and international leagues are well coveredExtremely competitive odds           Unibet review                                                                      NJ Only                                         Borgata                                                          5\/5                  Bonus,$100,Free Bets    Play now!                                             94             Points                         Payout Speed                           Payment Methods                                                        Visa                                                    Mastercard                                                    Paypal                                                                  Wager $20 and get $100 in Free BetsExcellent Sportsbook App for iOS and AndroidPromo code: BORGSBBC           Borgata review                                                            Contents Here\u2019s an overview of what you can expect to find on this page. Feel free to skip ahead to the most interesting bits! Types Of Horse Race History of US Horse Racing Popularity of Horse Racing in the United States Biggest Horse Races in the USA US Horse Racing Calendar Major US Race Tracks Triple Crown Winners How Betting on Horses Works in the USA FAQ Types Of Horse Race When we talk about horse racing in the United States, we\u2019re usually referring to flat racing. But the best US racebooks offer betting on international events too. There you\u2019ll find all kinds of races, the most common of which fall into three categories. Flat Racing The most famous thoroughbred horse races in the world are run on flat tracks, without obstacles. Whether it\u2019s the Epsom Derby in the UK, the Dubai World Cup in the UAE or Australia\u2019s Melbourne Cup, they all have one thing in common: a flat surface. In the United States, all of the biggest events are flat races. For instance, the Triple Crown races &#8211; the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes &#8211; are all run on the flat. Flat racing in the country is overseen by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. Jumps Racing Although far less common than flat racing these days, there is still a thriving jumps scene around the world. Properly referred to as National Hunt racing, there are different forms, depending on the course. Steeplechasing requires horses to clear much bigger obstacles, called fences. But there are also races which use smaller objects, known as hurdles. Either way, horses must complete the course without falling or unseating the rider. But they also run over extremely long distances, far more so than flat racing. One of the most challenging events in the world is the UK\u2019s Grand National. Run at Aintree every year, it features 30 notoriously tricky fences spread over 4 miles and 514 yards. In the USA, the National Steeplechase Association oversees this kind of racing. Harness Racing Often simply referred to as \u201ctrotting\u201d, harness racing involves a horse pulling a jockey along in a two-wheeled cart. In the USA, trotting is restricted to standardbred horses, rather than their thoroughbred counterparts. The sport\u2019s governing body is the US Trotting Association and there are several notable tracks dotted around the country. These include Yonkers Raceway in New York, Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey and The Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky. History of US Horse Racing The history of horse racing in the United States is older than the country itself, having arrived in the colonies with the British. Here\u2019s a timeline of some key events. 1665: The earliest recorded horse race takes place in Salisbury, New York. 1721: One of the first racing organizations, the South Carolina Jockey Club, is established. 1804: The Washington Jockey Club is formed, further cementing the popularity of horse racing. 1863: Saratoga Race Course, one of the oldest and most iconic racetracks in the country, opens its doors for the first time. 1875: Aristides wins the first Kentucky Derby held at Churchill Downs, KY. 1884: The formation of the American Jockey Club helps to standardize rules and regulations for racing across the United States. 1908: The American Stud Book is established with the aim of maintaining accurate pedigree records. 1919: Legendary racehorse Man o&#8217; War begins his career. 1973: Secretariat completes the Triple Crown while posting record-breaking times, solidifying his status as one of the greatest ever racehorses. 2015: American Pharoah ends a 37-year wait for another Triple Crown winner. Popularity of Horse Racing in the United States Horse racing has been a key part of the culture for hundreds of years. Unfortunately though, its popularity is on a downward trend. There are many reasons for this, including the old-fashioned language used in the sport, as well as the \u201celitist\u201d feel. Many just don\u2019t see racing as a \u201cproper\u201d sport when compared to football, basketball or baseball. And of course, the rise of animal rights activists, who like to focus on the negatives, is tarnishing the industry\u2019s reputation. It\u2019s not all doom and gloom for horse racing in the USA though. Facts and Figures Although daily attendances at the country\u2019s 300+ tracks were trending downward pre-COVID, the biggest races continue to thrive. As recently as 2015, a record crowd of 170,513 gathered to witness American Pharoah win the Kentucky Derby and US racing\u2019s ultimate prize. Even without the Triple Crown factor, crowds were consistently topping 150,000 right up until the lockdowns. For instance, the 2017 Preakness Stakes set a record attendance of 140,327. In 2012, the horse racing industry in the US was valued at $5.48 billion. In 2019, this had slipped to $4.94 billion &#8211; hardly a total disaster. But other key metrics show real growth. Take the amount of prize money available in the sport, for instance. 2022 figures indicated a 35.77% increase, exceeding more than $1.1 billion. The total number of races also rose, by over 20% in fact. So did the average purse size, growing by more than 10%. And from a betting perspective, the total horse racing handle in the United States was over $12.2 billion in 2021. That\u2019s a jump of almost 12% from 2020. Biggest Horse Races in the USA Let\u2019s now learn a little more about some of the biggest events in the US horse racing calendar. Kentucky Derby The Kentucky Derby is probably the most famous horse race in the country. This 10 furlong dirt race is open to the best three year old colts and fillies. Nicknamed \u201cThe Run for the Roses\u201d, due to the floral blanket draped over the winner, there\u2019s a total purse of $3 million at stake. It is held annually at the world-famous Churchill Downs track in Louisville, Kentucky, and was first run in 1867. Kentucky Oaks This is essentially the fillies-only equivalent of the Kentucky Derby, held the Friday before the showpiece race. A prestigious Grade 1 in its own right, the winner of this nine furlong contest will pocket a cool $750,000. It also takes place at Churchill Downs, and the first ever Kentucky Oaks was run in 1875. Preakness Stakes A purse of $1.65 million is at stake in the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the USA\u2019s Triple Crown. Run annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, the race was established back in 1873. It takes place on dirt over a distance of 1 and 3\u204416 miles, or 9.5 furlongs. Belmont Stakes The final leg of America\u2019s Triple Crown (Belmont Stakes) is held every June, at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Established way back in 1867 it is a dirt race, run over 12 furlongs. Open only to three year olds, the total purse is worth $1.5 million. The record time of 2:24 for completing the course is held by the legendary Secretariat. Pegasus World Cup First run in 2017, this nine furlong invitational race is open to horses aged four and above. The original idea was to create a valuable race that wouldn\u2019t clash with the Breeders Cup or Dubai World Cup. It gives retiring horses one final swansong before retiring to stud. The first purse was a whopping $12 million, though these days it is set at $3 million. Breeders\u2019 Cup Spread over two days every November, this series of Grade 1 races pits the world\u2019s top thoroughbreds against those from the United States. The venue alternates, with prestigious locations including Churchill Downs, Santa Anita Park and Keeneland all hosting in recent years. Prize pools vary in size, but there\u2019s an impressive $6 million purse for the 10 furlong Breeders&#8217; Cup Classic. Travers Stakes Nicknamed the \u201cMidsummer Derby\u201d, this 10 furlong Grade 1 race takes place annually at Saratoga Race Course in New York. First run in 1864, it has been won by some legends of the sport, including Man o&#8217; War in 1920 and Arrogate in 2016. These days, the total purse is worth $1.25 million and the race takes place on dirt. Arlington Million This Grade 1 race is held at Colonial Downs in New Kent County, Virginia. However, it was originally run at the now-closed Arlington Park, Illinois, which is where the name comes from. With a $1 million purse, it is open to any horse aged three or older. The race is run on turf over a trip of 1 and \u00bc miles, or 10 furlongs. US Horse Racing Calendar Now that you\u2019re up to speed with the sport\u2019s showpiece events, here\u2019s where they fit into the bigger picture. Major US Race Tracks There are more than 300 horse racing venues spread throughout the United States. Here\u2019s the lowdown on the country\u2019s biggest tracks. Belmont Park One of several important race tracks located in New York, Belmont Park can be found in Elmont. Its biggest race is the Belmont Stakes, which forms part of the Triple Crown. But Belmont also hosts the Champagne Stakes, the Metropolitan Handicap and the Belmont Oaks. The huge grandstand is an iconic landmark and in 2004, Belmont saw its biggest ever turnout when 120,139 attended the Belmont Stakes. Churchill Downs Home to two of the USA\u2019s most illustrious races in the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs is a world-famous venue. Known for its towering twin spires, it is also one of the country\u2019s oldest continuously operating race tracks. Opened on May 17, 1875, the race course is situated in Louisville, Kentucky. The course also plays host to other Grade 1 races, including the Clark Handicap and Humana Distaff. Del Mar Found in Del Mar, California, this race track was famously opened by Bing Crosby in 1937. Due to its beachside location, you\u2019ll often hear the catchphrase \u201cWhere the Turf Meets the Surf\u201d used when discussing Del Mar. It is home to prestigious races such as the Pacific Classic and the Del Mar Oaks. Gulfstream Park Opened in 1939, Gulfstream Park can be found in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Its major races include the Florida Derby and the Fountain of Youth Stakes. But more recently, it has become home to the multi-million dollar Pegasus World Cup, which launched in 2017. A record attendance of 26,222 flocked to that inaugural meeting. The venue also houses a large casino. Pimlico Racecourse This track in Baltimore, Maryland is home to the Preakness Stakes, which makes up the second leg of the Triple Crown. In 2017, a record crowd of 140,327 witnessed Chad Brown\u2019s Cloud Computing beat Classic Empire by a head. Pimlico is also home to several other major fixtures in the US horse racing calendar, including the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and the Dixie Stakes. Santa Anita Park Capable of accommodating more than 85,000 spectators, Santa Anita Park is located in Arcadia, California. It has been selected to host the Breeders\u2019 Cup more than ten times, the most recent of which came in 2023. However, the two biggest races of its own are the Santa Anita Derby and Santa Anita Handicap. A picturesque venue, the stunning San Gabriel Mountains are right on the doorstep. Saratoga Opened in 1863, this track can be found in Saratoga Springs, New York. It is home to 17 Grade 1 races, including the Travers Stakes, Whitney Stakes and more recently, the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Until 2021, the latter had always been run at Belmont Park, but a tweak to the racing calendar saw its relocation. Triple Crown Winners To date, just thirteen horses have successfully completed the Triple Crown, securing their status as legends of the sport. How Betting on Horses Works in the USA In the United States, the most common way to bet on horses is pari-mutuel, or pool betting. With this method, all bets are pooled together and shared among the winning tickets. That essentially means that nobody knows what their returns are going to be until after the race is over. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, favor a fixed-odds model. Here, the bookmaker tells you the current price and you can bet at those odds, or take the official starting price instead. This form of betting is only legal in two US states: Colorado and New Jersey. From the punter\u2019s perspective, fixed-odds are undoubtedly superior. This is backed up by the betting public too. A survey of 1,500 sports bettors suggested that two-thirds would place bets on horses if fixed-odds ever became an option. The same poll found that 83% of existing racing punters wanted to see fixed-odds introduced. However, the traditional pari-mutuel model is likely to continue to dominate the US horse racing scene for many years to come. A significant proportion of the pari-mutuel betting handle is used to fund racing purses. As such, the sport\u2019s organizers are not keen on introducing any initiatives which may lead to a reduction in turnover. Bet On Horse Racing If learning about horse racing has whet your appetite to get involved, be sure to join one of our trusted betting sites. Many of these top US racebooks allow you to live stream races. So not only can you place bets at generous odds, you can watch every second of the action. FAQ","og_url":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/horse-racing\/","og_site_name":"\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 Best Betting Casinos - USA","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"CollectionPage","@id":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/horse-racing\/","url":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/horse-racing\/","name":"Horse Racing Archives - \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 Best Betting Casinos - USA","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/#website"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/horse-racing\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/horse-racing\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Horse Racing"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/#website","url":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/","name":"\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 Best Betting Casinos - USA","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories\/34"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/taxonomies\/category"}],"wp:post_type":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestbettingcasinos.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts?categories=34"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}