American Horse Racing Parks

Horse Racing Dates

Attending Horse Races

American horse racing parks. Much of the excitement and pageantry of a horse race is reflected in the beauty of Americas' classic horse racing venues. These greatest horse parks offer stunningly picturesque backgrounds for rider and horse to display their skills. Great care is taken in maintaining each facility as well as dressing them up with flowers and plants for the racing season.

Also, there is the excitement of reviewing the horses as they pass through the paddock area before each race.

Iconic American Race Tracks

Horse racing is a popular sport in America, with over 300 horse racing tracks across the country. The sport has a rich history in America, with the first horse race dating back to 1655. Today, America is home to different types of horse racing including Thoroughbred, Quarter horses, and harness racing. The most famous horse races in America are the Triple Crown races: Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. These races are held annually and attract millions of people every year for their horses, competition, pageantry, and betting.

Here are some of the most popular horse racing tracks in America:

Churchill Downs: Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Churchill Downs is home to the Kentucky Derby. The track is known for its iconic twin spires and has a seating capacity of over 170,000 people. The Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous races in the world and held in early May of each year. The Kentucky Derby has become an event that attracts all levels of society and known for the dressy hats many women wear in order to stand out.

Santa Anita Park: Located in Arcadia, California, Santa Anita Park is one of the most beautiful horse racing tracks in America. The track has a stunning backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains and is known for its turf course.

Saratoga Race Course: Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, Saratoga Race Course is one of the oldest horse racing tracks in America. The track has been hosting races since 1863 and is known for its historic grandstand and beautiful gardens.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club: Located in Del Mar, California, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is known for its scenic location overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The track has a seating capacity of over 44,000 people and hosts races from July to September.

Gulfstream Park: Located in Hallandale Beach, FL between Miami and Fort Lauderdale is home to the Pegasus World Cup and the Florida Derby. The racing calendar at Gulfstream extends throughout the year. Gulfstream Park and Casino is a beautiful venue offering a world class casino plus multiple restaurants and quality shops.

These are just a few examples of the many horse racing tracks that can be found across America. Whether you’re a fan of Thoroughbred racing or harness racing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at these tracks.

Famous track names and nearby hotels:

Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY (Kentucky Derby) Hotels Near Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs

Pimlico Race Course, MD (Preakness, second leg of the Triple Crown) Hotels near Preakness at Pimlico

Aqueduct, NY (Wood Memorial) Hotels near Aqueduct

Belmont Park, NY (Belmont Stakes, third leg of the Triple Crown) NY Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course in 2024 to allow for the uninterrupted construction of a new and re-imagined Belmont Park, the Long Island home of the third leg of the Triple Crown. Hotels near Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course

Keeneland, KY, Racing Dates: Spring Meet April 5 - 26, 2024. Horse Sale April 26, 2024. September Yearling Sale September 9- 21, 2024. Fall Meet October 4-26, 2024. Hotels Near Keeneland

Gulfstream Park, FL Racing Dates: All year. (Pegasus Cup, Florida Derby) Hotels near Gulfstream Park

Tampa Bay Downs, FL Racing Dates: November to May. (Tampa Bay Derby) Hotels near Tampa Bay Downs

Golden Gate Fields, CA Racing Dates: December to early June. Golden Gate Fields will close forever this summer.

Del Mar Racing, CA. Racing Dates: July - September, November - early December. (Hollywood Derby, Breeders Cup 2024 and 2025) Hotels near Del Mar Race Track

Santa Anita Park, CA Racing Dates: Through June 16, 2024 Hotels near Santa Anita Park

Saratoga Race Course, NY Racing Dates: Hotels near Saratoga Race Course

Monmouth Park NJ Racing Dates: Hotels near Monmouth Park

Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, AK. Racing Dates: Live Racing through May 4, 2024 Hotels near Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs

Off Track Betting and Casinos

Florida Casinos

Many of America's horse racing tracks also host Las Vegas type casinos, poker rooms, and virtual horse betting all year around. Most of these casinos offer card rooms with poker games, hundred of slots, and table games such as roulette and craps.