Big Horse Races: What Are The Major Horse Races In The US?

Horse racing has long been a popular sport in the United States, with millions of fans tuning in to watch and bet on races every year. 

The country is home to some of the most prestigious and biggest horse races in the world, attracting top jockeys, trainers, and horses from around the country.

Biggest Horse Races In The USA

Here are 10 of the biggest horse races in the USA, ranked by betting handle.

10. Kentucky Oaks – $20 million

The Kentucky Oaks is a major horse race in the USA, held annually on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby. The race is exclusively for three-year-old fillies and takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Despite having a relatively low betting handle of around $20 million compared to other races on this list, the Kentucky Oaks is still an important event for horse racing fans. 

The race has a festive atmosphere and is known for the fashion statements made by attendees who dress up in their finest outfits to watch the race.

9. Belmont Stakes – $60 million

The Belmont Stakes is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. The race takes place at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, and is known for its long track, measuring 1.5 miles. 

With a betting handle of around $60 million, the Belmont Stakes is a popular event in the US horse racing calendar.

8. Preakness Stakes – $80 million

The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown and is held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.

The race is known for its black-eyed Susans, a floral arrangement that is given to the winner, and for its infield party, which attracts thousands of spectators every year.

7. Breeders’ Cup Classic – $90 million

The Breeders’ Cup Classic is a Grade 1 thoroughbred horse race that is held annually at different locations throughout the United States.

The race is open to horses aged three and older and has a betting handle of around $90 million. 

The Breeders’ Cup Classic is the culmination of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which is a two-day event featuring some of the best horses from around the country.

6. Travers Stakes – $100 million

The Travers Stakes is one of the oldest horse races in the USA, first run in 1864. The race is held annually at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, and is open to three-year-old horses. 

The race is known for its tradition and prestige, attracting top horses and jockeys from around the country.

5. Arkansas Derby – $130 million

The Arkansas Derby is a Grade 1 horse race held annually at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The race is open to three-year-old horses and has a betting handle of around $130 million.

The Arkansas Derby is an important race for horses hoping to qualify for the Kentucky Derby, as it awards points to the top four finishers.

4. Santa Anita Derby – $150 million

The Santa Anita Derby is another Grade 1 horse race in the USA, held annually at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. 

The race is open to three-year-old horses and has a betting handle of around $150 million, making it one of the biggest horse races in the country. 

The Santa Anita Derby is considered a major stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby, with many past winners going on to win the famous race.

3. Haskell Invitational – $150 million

The Haskell Invitational is a Grade 1 horse race held annually at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey. The race is open to three-year-old horses and has a betting handle of around $150 million.

The race is named after Amory Haskell, one of the founders of Monmouth Park, and is known for its festive atmosphere, with fans dressing up and enjoying the lively event. 

The Haskell Invitational is often used by horses as a stepping stone to other major races, including the Breeders’ Cup and the Kentucky Derby.

2. Woodward Stakes – $200 million

The Woodward Stakes is a Grade 1 horse race held annually at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. The race is open to horses aged three and older and has a betting handle of around $200 million. 

The race was named after William Woodward Sr., a prominent figure in thoroughbred horse racing in the early 20th century. The Woodward Stakes is known for its challenging course and for attracting some of the top horses and jockeys from around the country.

1. Pacific Classic – $250 million

The Pacific Classic is a Grade 1 horse race held annually at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. The race is open to horses aged three and older and has a betting handle of around $250 million. 

The Pacific Classic is known for its scenic location, as the race takes place along the beautiful Del Mar coastline. The race attracts some of the top horses and jockeys from around the country and is considered one of the most prestigious horse races in the USA. 

The Pacific Classic is often used as a stepping stone to other major races, including the Breeders’ Cup and the Kentucky Derby.

Biggest Horse Races In The USA: A Summary

In conclusion, horse racing is a beloved sport in the USA, with millions of fans tuning in to watch and bet on races every year. The country is home to some of the most prestigious and biggest horse races in the world, attracting top jockeys, trainers, and horses from around the country.

From the Kentucky Oaks and Belmont Stakes to the Pacific Classic and Breeders’ Cup Classic, there are plenty of opportunities for horse racing fans to enjoy the excitement and thrill of the sport.

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