In the United States, horse racing is a popular sport with a booming business and, presumably, a prominent betting industry. The first racetrack in the United States was built in 1665. Over the years, it has grown into a vast enterprise, with over 100,000 spectators seated in grandstands.
The horse racing track industry in the United States was valued at more than three billion U.S. dollars in 2020, a decline from the previous year's size of almost five billion U.S. dollars. However, this year, the sector is said to be worth $3.52 billion. With so much money at stake, it's worthwhile to learn more about the sport and how you might become involved.
Because of its popularity, horse racing offers something for everyone- from modest races to some of the most important horse races globally to everything in between. So, before you ask yourself how to bet on horses, here are the major events to keep an eye on, especially for novices to the horse racing betting game.
Kentucky Derby
In the United States, the Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race, and there's no better place to begin than with it. It's a Grade One race held at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday of May each year.
It features a $3 million prize pool, with $1.86 million for the winner, and bettors can expect to witness some of the industry's greatest stars. The 1¼-mile horse race is the highlight of the Kentucky Derby Festival and is the first leg of the famed Triple Crown series.
The Kentucky Derby, which first took place in 1875, is the youngest of the Triple Crown races. The race, on the other hand, has a long history that dates back over 142 years. The Kentucky Derby has evolved significantly throughout the years, including the traditions and track length, yet it plays a vital role in American horse racing.
The number of horses competing in the race distinguishes it from the other Triple Crown competitions. At Churchill Downs, on average, 20 horses compete in the Kentucky Derby, which is more than double the usual amount. In most other horse races, the field size is eight horses.
The first race in the legendary Triple Crown series can make or break a horse's goals in less than two minutes. Thus, it was dubbed the most exciting two minutes in sports. The event’s atmosphere and the tough finish time of the winning horse have earned the Kentucky Derby this reputation.
Preakness Stakes
The Preakness is the middle jewel in the Triple Crown. The Pimlico Race Course hosts an annual 13/16-mile flat race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. Colts weigh 126 pounds (57 kg), and fillies weigh 121 pounds (55 kg). But it’s even more exciting because it'll determine whether we'll be rooting for another Triple Crown winner.
Since 1932, the Preakness Stakes has been held following the Kentucky Derby. The Preakness Stakes is now run two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. It is the next major test for the winner of the Derby.
They must win the Preakness to keep their chances of winning the Triple Crown alive. Then, if the same horse wins both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, it must win the Belmont Stakes to become the next Triple Crown winner.
Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes, a 1.5 miles course, is the oldest and longest of the three historical horse races comprising the Triple Crown Series. The Belmont Stakes, named after August Belmont, was established in 1867.
Professional horse racing fans refer to the Belmont as the test of the champion because of the length of the track. By the time the race is held, the three-year-old Thoroughbred horses competing in it have fully matured. As a result, the field has been weeded out so that only the cream of the crop competes, which is why the field is usually the smallest of the three Triple Crown events.
For the past 150 years, the Belmont Stakes has experienced a number of venues and track lengths, as well as the crowning of 12 Triple Crown winners. The Belmont Stakes is the pinnacle of horse racing in the Triple Crown series, as it is where dreams of a championship are fulfilled or shattered.
Breeder’s Cup
Last but not least, there's the Breeder's Cup. Held in early November, the location of the Breeders' Cup varies each year, but its popularity grows year after year, as does the prize money for those who are fortunate enough to own a winning horse at this level. The Breeder's Cup bills itself as the World Championships of Thoroughbred Horse Racing, with almost $30 million in prize money.
In Conclusion
There are many horse racing events to check on in the U.S every month but, we have listed the top 4 significant events. For newbie punters, these events will be a great start in your betting journey. So bet wisely and don’t forget to have fun!