Live horse racing is an unforgettable experience and the excitement and roar of the crowd is second to none. In the United States, fans can find some of the best and most historic racetracks in the world and there’s nowhere better to witness Thoroughbred racing than at any of these six racecourses, but if you can’t make it to the stadiums you can still enjoy the thrill of a bet with this betting guide at Timeform.
San Anita Park, California
Horse racing fans will be familiar with the San Anita Park racetrack, a beautiful course that’s situated in the San Gabriel Mountains. It’s known for its historic races such as those featuring Man o’ War and Seabiscuit as well as its celebrity attendees, San Anita Park was also listed in the 2006 National Register of Historic Places because of its use as an ‘Assemble Centre” in World War II.
Saratoga Racecourse, New York
Saratoga Race track delivers a great atmosphere year-round and is a racecourse with a rich history of horse racing. Over the years, there have been many legendary names grace this course, from Secretariat and Man o’ War to celebrities who enjoy attending to watching the races from the seats of this iconic track. Each summer, this track comes to life and gives fans the chance to not only witness the very best in racing but also soak up the brilliant charm and atmosphere of Saratoga Springs.
Belmont Park, Long Island
There may be other racetracks that perform better in terms of crowds, but Belmont Park certainly has its share of seating, accommodating up to 50,000 visitors at any one time. It’s renowned for hosting the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown, which is this track’s biggest event of the year. Belmont Park features over 60 stakes, worth over $18 million each year, so it’s a must for horse racing fans to visit at least once.
Keeneland Racecourse, Kentucky
Sophisticated and perfectly-maintained, the Keeneland Racecourse in Kentucky is one of the most popular and most-visited tracks in the States. This is where the cream of the crop come to compete and where you’re likely to rub shoulders with celebrities like George Clooney while you take in the excitement of the races.
Churchill Downs, Kentucky
Another Kentucky favourite, the Churchill Downs track is the host of the prestigious Derby Day and is one of the most well-known racetracks in the world. This is one of the few places where the red carpet is quite literally rolled out for A-listers, with everyone from Hollywood royalty to actual royalty attending over the years. A weekend at this world-famous track is unforgettable and the lively festivities that have taken place here since 1875 show no signs of slowing down.
Monmouth Park, New Jersey
Situated in New Jersey, Monmouth Park racetrack is a historic course that’s commonly referred to as “The Shore”. It’s best known for Thoroughbred horse racing and its marquee event, the Haskell Invitational, which has been running since 1968. The main track of Monmouth Park is a one-mile-long course with chutes for six furlong races.