Top Horse Racing Tracks in the USA (2025)

From the roaring crowds of the Kentucky Derby to the classy vibes of Saratoga Springs, horse racing in the U.S. isn’t just about betting—it’s about tradition, atmosphere, and unforgettable finishes. Knowing the country’s top tracks can help you place smarter wagers and plan your next racing adventure, whether you’re new to the game or a professional bettor.

So here it is: our Horse.bet rundown of the top horse racing tracks in the United States, what makes them special, and why they still matter in 2025.

1. Churchill Downs – Louisville, Kentucky

Home of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs is the beating heart of American racing. It’s historic, electric, and hosts some of the biggest betting pools of the year.

• Opened: 1875
• Major Race: Kentucky Derby (May)
• Track Type: Dirt + Turf
• Owned By: Churchill Downs Inc.
• Bet Online: TwinSpires, FanDuel Racing, TVG

Why It’s Great: The Derby isn’t just a race—it’s a cultural event. Churchill mixes pageantry with top-tier competition, making it a must-visit.

👉 Read our Churchill Downs guide

2. Saratoga Race Course – Saratoga Springs, New York

Known as “The Spa,” Saratoga is the summer capital of racing. Beautiful setting, wild upsets, and that old-school charm you just can’t fake.

• Opened: 1863
• Major Race: Travers Stakes (August)
• Track Type: Dirt + Two Turf Courses
• Owned By: New York Racing Association
• Bet Online: NYRA Bets, TwinSpires, Bet365

Why It’s Great: Upsets happen constantly—hence the nickname “Graveyard of Champions.” Also, summer meet energy is unbeatable.

👉 Read our Saratoga guide

3. Belmont Park – Elmont, New York

Home of the Belmont Stakes, the longest and arguably toughest leg of the Triple Crown. Known for its wide track and deep fields.

• Opened: 1905
• Major Race: Belmont Stakes (June)
• Track Type: Dirt + Two Turf Courses
• Owned By: NYRA
• Currently Under Renovation – Stakes hosted at Saratoga in 2024–25
• Bet Online: NYRA Bets, Caesars Racebook, TVG

Why It’s Great: Belmont is built for stamina. Its sweeping layout creates epic finishes, especially in turf races.

👉 Read our Belmont guide

4. Santa Anita Park – Arcadia, California

At the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, this West Coast gem is visually stunning and a top host for the Breeders’ Cup.

• Opened: 1934
• Major Race: Santa Anita Derby (April), Breeders’ Cup (regular host)
• Track Type: Dirt + Turf
• Owned By: The Stronach Group
• Bet Online: Xpressbet, TVG

Why It’s Great: Big fields, fast track, and loaded stakes races. Plus, the mountains in the background make for epic TV shots.

5. Del Mar Racetrack – Del Mar, California

Where the turf meets the surf. Del Mar combines racing with beachside vibes and big summer crowds.

• Opened: 1937
• Major Race: Pacific Classic (August)
• Track Type: Dirt + Turf
• Owned By: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
• Bet Online: FanDuel, TVG, Xpressbet

Why It’s Great: Del Mar is cool without trying. Expect class horses, summer meet fun, and the occasional celebrity sighting.

6. Gulfstream Park – Hallandale Beach, Florida

Open year-round and home to the Pegasus World Cup, Gulfstream is one of the most important winter racing hubs in the U.S.

• Opened: 1939
• Major Race: Pegasus World Cup (January)
• Track Type: Dirt + Turf + Tapeta (synthetic)
• Owned By: 1/ST (Stronach Group)
• Bet Online: Xpressbet, Caesars Racebook

Why It’s Great: Fields are deep, and winter stakes are loaded. Also, the attached casino and shops make it a full-day destination.

7. Keeneland – Lexington, Kentucky

Short but sweet, Keeneland runs boutique meets in April and October, with stunning grounds and top-class racing.

• Opened: 1936
• Major Race: Breeders’ Cup (host), Blue Grass Stakes
• Track Type: Dirt + Turf
• Owned By: Keeneland Association
• Bet Online: TwinSpires, TVG

Why It’s Great: A blend of tradition and class. Also home to some of the world’s biggest Thoroughbred auctions.

8. Oaklawn Park – Hot Springs, Arkansas

A rising star in the racing world with a longer meet and higher purses. Big prep races and local flair.

• Opened: 1904
• Major Race: Arkansas Derby (April)
• Track Type: Dirt only
• Owned By: Oaklawn Jockey Club
• Bet Online: FanDuel, TVG

Why It’s Great: Oaklawn is about horses, not fluff. No turf, no problem—just gritty, competitive racing.

9. Fair Grounds Race Course – New Orleans, Louisiana

One of the oldest tracks in the U.S., and a key stop for Derby prep races like the Louisiana Derby.

• Opened: 1852
• Major Race: Louisiana Derby (March)
• Track Type: Dirt + Turf
• Owned By: Churchill Downs Inc.
• Bet Online: TwinSpires, Caesars Racebook

Why It’s Great: Historic, quirky, and dripping with NOLA vibes. The food’s top tier, too.

10. Monmouth Park – Oceanport, New Jersey

New Jersey’s racing gem with a big summer meet and the Haskell Invitational as its crown jewel.

• Opened: 1870 (original), 1946 (current site)
• Major Race: Haskell Stakes (July)
• Track Type: Dirt + Turf
• Owned By: Darby Development / NJTHA
• Bet Online: Caesars, 4NJBets, FanDuel Racing

Why It’s Great: Summer meets, shore proximity, and a long history of producing Derby contenders.

What Makes a Great Racing Track?

It’s not just about prestige—it’s about history, horses, and heart. Whether you’re betting online or planning a visit, these ten tracks offer the best of American horse racing in every region, every season.

If you want to win more and know more, follow Horse.bet for expert track guides, US horse betting sites, and bonus offers from top racebooks.

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