The bloom of roses in spring heralds the arrival of the iconic Kentucky Derby, a horse race also known as “The Run for the Roses” because of the rose garland given to the winner.
Held at the historic Churchill Downs Racecourse in Louisville, Kentucky, this is the first of three races that make up the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing (the American Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing), an annual event that has taken place every spring since 1875. Triple Crowns is America’s most famous racing series, horse racing – the name given to the sport of horse racing – is a tradition that dates back to 1665. Today, 32 states host horse racing year-round. Check out our guide and find out what’s best about US horse racing.
The Race for the Triple Crown
The three tests that make up the series are: Kentucky Derby; Preakness Stakes (played at the Pimlico Race Course, in Baltimore, Maryland); and Belmont Stakes (at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York).
Better known as Triple Crown, the series is played throughout the months of May and June every year. To win the title of Triple Crown champion, a three-year-old horse must win all three “gems” in the series. In all of history, only 12 horses have accomplished the feat, including world-famous thoroughbred Secretariat, who to date holds the record for fastest time on the Kentucky Derby track at 1 minute and 59.4 seconds.
Each race attracts tens of thousands of fans. Women wear ornate hats, men wear pastels, and each event also has its own unique traditions. Louisville celebrates the Kentucky Derby Festival over the two weeks leading up to the race. Participants can compete in a steamboat race or a marathon, as well as witness one of the biggest fireworks shows in North America. Preakness provides several events during the week before the race , such as the Pre-Preakness Party and Infield Fest, which includes musical shows and other activities.
The state of Kentucky is famous for its bourbon whiskey, and “mint julep” is, fittingly, the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. This special house cocktail is a mixture of bourbon with mint and sugar syrup. Preakness and Belmont Stakes follow suit and offer their own official drinks: the Black-Eyed Susan (inspired by the official flower of the same name) and the Belmont Jewel, respectively.
Place Your Bets on Other Tracks
While the Triple Crown is America’s premier racing series, other exciting events take place year-round at some of the world’s most famous racecourses!
The Springdale Race Course, located in Camden, South Carolina, hosts two annual hurdles: the Carolina Cup in March and the Colonial Cup in November.
The Santa Anita Park in the city of Arcadia, California, is considered one of the most beautiful racetracks in the world by the magnificent backdrop of the account provided by the San Gabriel Mountains, nearby. The venue is home to the Santa Anita Derby and Santa Anita Handicap events.
The Arlington Park is just outside of Chicago in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and has a six-storey stands. In 1981, the venue hosted the first $1 million thoroughbred race.
The Opening Day at Del Mar in Del Mar, California has been celebrated every July since 1937. The Del Mar Racecourse is the second largest in the Northwest US.
The Foxfield Races in Charlottesville, Virginia, began operations in 1978 and will host events twice a year in April and September.
After experiencing the so-called “most exciting two minutes of sport” at the Kentucky Derby, be sure to include other exciting horse racing events in your travel itinerary.