Horse race betting is still a huge part of the American sports scene—even if the industry has seen some shifts in recent years. According to a representative from AmWager, one of the most trusted online horse betting platforms in the U.S., “the average horse bettor is over 50, and they’re not exactly jumping on new tech like the younger crowd.” Plus, concerns raised by animal rights groups have added pressure to the sport.
That said, there are still millions of fans who love the thrill of placing bets on classic races like the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes and Breeders’ Cup. The problem? Many casual bettors don’t know when these races take place—or which ones are worth betting on.
That’s why Horse.bet has put together this simple list of the top 10 horse racing events in the USA for 2025. Whether you’re new to racing (check out our beginner FAQs and betting tips) or you’re a seasoned bettor looking for value plays and promos, this list has everything you need:
✅ Race dates
✅ Track locations
✅ Live streaming links
✅ Our expert picks
✅ And the best welcome bonus offers (like AmWager’s $150 match)
Want to know what horse races to bet on online in 2025? Just scroll down and pick the events that work for you—these are the races where the action (and the payouts) really happen.
Top Horse Races to Bet in 2025 – With Dates, Bonuses & Expert Picks
1. Kentucky Derby 2025
- 📅 Date: May 3, 2025
- Track: Churchill Downs, Kentucky
- Best Promo: 💰 AmWager – $150 Deposit Match
- Bet Recommendation: Box a trifecta with one favorite and two longshots
- Horse.bet Take: “This 20-horse free-for-all is perfect for exotic bets. History says don’t sleep on closers with long odds.”
📎 Official Site | TV: NBC / Peacock | Free Picks | Odds & Contenders
2. Preakness Stakes 2025
- 📅 Date: May 17, 2025
- Track: Pimlico Race Course, Maryland
- Promo: 💰 AmWager – $150 Bonus
- Pick: Straight exacta on a speed horse over the Derby runner-up
- Horse.bet Insight: “This race favors front-runners. Bet early speed and don’t expect a huge upset.”
📎 Official Site | TV: NBC Sports | Picks & Stats
3. Belmont Stakes 2025
- 📅 Date: June 7, 2025
- Track: Belmont Park, New York
- Promo: 💰 AmWager – $150 Deposit Match
- Bet Recommendation: Bet closers for win/place – Belmont is a stamina test
- Editor’s Take: “Triple Crown finale? Even better. Look for horses who skipped the Preakness and saved their legs.”
📎 Belmont Site | TV: FOX Sports | Picks & Insights
4. Breeders’ Cup Classic 2025
- 📅 Date: November 1, 2025
- Track: Del Mar, California
- Promo: 💰 AmWager – $150 Bonus
- Pick: Back a seasoned 4-year-old over 3-year-olds
- Expert Note: “Tons of value here. Big fields, world-class horses, and a bettor’s dream.”
📎 Breeders’ Cup Hub | [TV: NBC Sports] | Free Tips
5. Travers Stakes 2025
- 📅 Date: August 23, 2025
- Track: Saratoga, New York
- Promo: 💰 AmWager – $150 Welcome Bonus
- Pick: Exacta bet on Derby grads with experience at 1¼ miles
- Horse.bet Says: “Mid-summer Derby delivers deep, competitive fields and sharp odds.”
6. Florida Derby 2025
- 📅 Date: March 29, 2025
- Track: Gulfstream Park, Florida
- Promo: 💰 AmWager – $150 Match
- Pick: Win bet on the morning line favorite—form holds here
- Why Bet It: “Major Kentucky Derby prep. Winner often goes off top 3 in Louisville.”
📎 Florida Derby Info | TVG Stream
7. Arkansas Derby 2025
- 📅 Date: April 12, 2025
- Track: Oaklawn Park, Arkansas
- Promo: 💰 AmWager – $150 Deposit Match
- Bet: Back a horse that’s 2-for-2 at Oaklawn
- Editor’s View: “A true proving ground. Local runners have an edge over shippers.”
📎 Oaklawn Park | Track Bias Insights
8. Santa Anita Derby 2025
- 📅 Date: April 5, 2025
- Track: Santa Anita Park, California
- Promo: 💰 AmWager – $150 Bonus
- Pick: Bet on favorites—chalk tends to win here
- Horse.bet Says: “This race is predictable but rewarding. Great for multi-race exotics.”
📎 Santa Anita Site | Expert Picks
9. Pegasus World Cup 2025
- 📅 Date: January 25, 2025
- Track: Gulfstream Park, Florida
- Promo: 💰 AmWager – $150 Match Bonus
- Pick: Back a 4-year-old speed horse with stakes experience
- Why It’s Unique: “Kicks off the calendar year with star power and fat purses.”
10. Haskell Invitational 2025
- 📅 Date: July 26, 2025
- Track: Monmouth Park, New Jersey
- Promo: 💰 AmWager – $150 Free Bet Match
- Pick: Bet on pace stalkers—they tend to win here
- Horse.bet Angle: “Triple Crown veterans often use this as a summer rebound race.”
TOP Horse Races to Bet On in 2025
Best Horse Racing Sources for Odds, Picks & Streaming
If you’re betting on major horse racing events in 2025, make sure to use the best resources out there. For live odds, we recommend Horse Racing Nation. You can watch the action live on NBC Sports, FanDuel TV, or TVG. For expert free picks and handicapping tools, check out TwinSpires Edge, AmWager Insights, and the always-reliable Daily Racing Form (DRF).
🧾 A Word from Horse.bet:
“If you’re only betting horses three or four times a year, make sure it’s on days like these. The handle is massive, the promos are better, and the value is real. Use AmWager’s $150 match, look for value in exactas and trifectas, and don’t chase chalk—especially in big fields like the Derby.”Horse Betting Offers & Free Bets!
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