Bruce Dias 
The US horse racing scene is full of exciting horse meets every year. Every year is packed with huge horse racing events that fans of the industry are always satisfied with because of the number of horse racing events that a fan can go to. Even if a fan couldn’t see one of the most famous horse racing events, the Kentucky Derby, they can still join, watch, or even bet on the Belmont Stakes later.
But one would ask, “Just how many horse racing events does the US have yearly, and which one should I go to?” Well, luck to you since that’s just the topic we will discuss today. In this article, we will talk about some of the most exciting horse racing events in the US that you shouldn’t miss if you’re a horse racing fan or a horse racing bettor. Let’s start.
The Kentucky Derby
This event is arguably the most famous horse racing event in the US, or, one could even argue, the world. In every horse racing betting site, you visit and every horse racing betting guide you read, there’s always news and a section dedicated to the Kentucky Derby, even sites that operate outside of the US. But why is it so popular? This is because the Kentucky Derby is the first part of the Triple Crown.
The Triple Crown is three events in one, which includes Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. Arguably, the most popular and watched event of all three is the Kentucky Derby since all potential Triple Crown champions gather to prove to their fans that they are on their way to being the Triple Crown champion. A contender must win all three events for a horse to win the Triple Crown.
Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes, which usually starts just a week after the Kentucky Derby, is also a very popular part of the Triple Crown. Unlike the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is shorter, only 1 and 3/16 miles long. This year’s Preakness Stakes was held at Pimlico Course in Baltimore. Usually, there’s a tradition that the Preakness Stakes only takes on 14 contenders.
Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes is the final part of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. Traditionally, it takes place in Belmont Park in New York. The track is one and a half miles or 12 furlongs. The Belmont Stakes is also called the “Test of Champions” since this is where the Triple Crown champion would be awarded for the horse that wins all three.
Due to its distance, some horses can’t finish the race, making the event exciting and thrilling. It’s also important to know that every contender doesn’t need to participate in all three races. Each event is separate, so a contender can join the Kentucky Derby, choose not to join the Preakness, and participate in the Belmont Stakes. But of course, they wouldn’t be able to become the Triple Crown champion.
Breeder’s Cup World Championship
Aside from the Triple Crown, horse racing fans shouldn’t miss another event: the Breeder’s Cup World Championship. It’s a two-day event that offers a series of races operated by the Breeder’s Cup Limited. Several races are inside the event alone, but the Breeder’s Cup Classic is the most popular among them.
This particular event is meant for three-year-olds and older. The field stretched around for 2000 meters or one and a quarter miles on a dirt track. This year, the Breeder’s Cup Classic took place with a six-million-dollar purse on the event’s second day. However, note that the Breeder’s Cup World Championship changes places yearly.
Travers Stakes
Travers Stakes is another Grade I Thoroughbred horse race every year. While not as popular as the Triple Crown, it’s a huge event. It usually takes place in the Saratoga Race Course in New York. It usually takes place around August every year, and if you’re planning to watch it, you’re not very late yet, as the event this year will be on August 26, which is just a few weeks away.
In terms of popularity, the Travers Stakes is in third place, just behind the Kentucky Derby and Belmont. Usually, the Travers Stakes have a set prize for whoever wins the race, which is 1,250,000 dollars. This is another horse racing event you shouldn’t miss if you’re a true horse racing fan here in the US.
Final Words
There are many more horse racing events in the US, but the ones above are the most popular. If you’re a horse racing fan, you might have already heard about these two, but if you’re a new fan, these are the horse racing events you shouldn’t miss if you can go. Whether you’re there to have fun at the event or to bet, these events are worth it.
