US Horse Racing: The Best Racetracks for Visiting and Wagering In North America

Horse racing is one of the most historic pastimes in the world and it also remains a pretty popular spectator sport throughout the US. Although some tracks, such as California’s Golden Gate Fields, have been forced to close, numerous iconic venues continue to thrive. Each state governs and regulates its own tracks and it is also in charge of licensing the owners and trainers who feature regularly at these venues.

Although moving between racetracks is less straightforward than in the UK, many of these circuits still tend to attract thousands of overseas visitors on an annual basis. We’ve taken a closer look at some of the stand-out venues that are still able to frequently deliver the excitement and adrenaline kick that has long been associated with the “Sport of Kings”.

Keeneland

Keeneland Racetrack is steeped in history and has been hosting top-class thoroughbred racing since 1936. The Lexington track only hosts two race meets per year – the Spring meeting in April and the Autumn meeting in October. Visitors can also step inside the legendary auction house, which is home to the September Yearling Sale, or check out Keeneland Library’s latest exhibition which provides a fascinating insight into the evolution of the racetrack.

When it comes to the action on the turf, highlights include the Ashland Stakes, the Jenny Wiley, the Bourbon Stakes and the Coolmore Turf Mile. The purses of the five key stakes races were boosted in 2024, resulting in bigger fields and more competitive contests throughout September and October.

There is a timeless and tranquil beauty to this venue which has been able to preserve many of its traditions. Furthermore, several visitors have suggested that the layout of the track is similar to many of its European counterparts.

Del Mar

Del Mar is North America’s second-largest horse racing venue. The Southern California track is located just a stone’s throw from the ocean, earning the nickname “Where Turf Meets the Surf”. Although there are just two race meets per year, there are still plenty of opportunities to book tickets with competitive thoroughbred racing taking place between late July and mid-September and then from mid-November through to early December.

The track, which opened in 1937, recently hosted the Breeder’s Cup, and its high-quality fields and generous prize purses make it one of the most desirable racing destinations in the US. Throughout 2024, its average daily betting handle was $16,225,000, making it one of the most popular tracks for horse racing handicappers.

Churchill Downs

The Louisville track hosts the legendary Kentucky Derby which is undeniably the pinnacle of the thoroughbred season. It is the most-watched and most-attended racing event in the United States and there tend to be ante-post markets priced up by horse racing betting sites all year round.

Nevertheless, there are 70 live race days taking place throughout the year, providing ample opportunity for visitors to sample the delights of this historic amphitheatre.

It is a track that is likely to be prominently placed on the bucket list of any horse racing enthusiast and those wishing to gain an insight into the world of elite horse racing may also wish to book themselves on the Churchill Downs Tour. This behind-the-scenes glimpse will allow visitors to enter the paddock and learn all about the daily routines and training schedules of the track’s most celebrated owners and trainers.

Furthermore, the Kentucky Derby museum offers guests an opportunity to brush up on the history of this iconic sporting venue.

Saratoga

Visitors to New York are unlikely to be short of options when it comes to choosing a racetrack with Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Meadowlands all showcasing decent quality racing throughout the year, however, Saratoga is undoubtedly the number one choice in the region. The charm of the track is arguably its greatest asset and with a 40-day meet being staged between July and September, getting hold of a ticket is unlikely to be too strenuous.

Amongst the highlights are the $1 million Whitney Stakes Day and Travers Day, the centrepiece of Saratoga’s summer schedule.

Furthermore, the accompanying Saratoga State Spa Park includes a golf course, automobile museum, historic Victorian pool and performing arts centre.

Santa Anita

Finally, Santa Anita simply must be included on this list. The stunning backdrop from the grandstand simply cannot be matched by any other racetrack with racegoers often able to get a glimpse of the snow-topped Santa Ana Mountains.

The track also hosts several prestigious meetings throughout the season including the Santa Anita Derby, a Grade I contest which carries a purse of $750,000.