Horse Racing Schedules
Horse racing events take place around the world; in the United States, the horse racing schedule is primarily held from spring to fall, with the Triple Crown races being some of the most notable events. Betting on horse racing can be quite satisfactory, with all their old-time charm and thrill.
The schedule for horse racing events is carefully planned to provide opportunities for owners, trainers, and jockeys to showcase their talents and for fans to enjoy the excitement of watching horses compete.
Main Events for the 2024 Season
The staple of all yearly events is the Triple Crown event. It consists of three legs: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Starting out in May, these horse race tracks are among the finest in the world, especially for wagering.
Other notable events are the Breeders’ Cup -a major, two-day event held annually in the U.S.A. at various locations around the country- and they also include the Travers Stakes, the Santa Anita Derby, and the Dubai World Cup.
We can’t leave out the Royal Ascot in the United Kingdom, the Melbourne Cup in Australia, and the Japan Cup in Japan, among many others. Check out the main horse racing 2024 events below:
Pegasus World Cup
- Date: January 27, 2024
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Track:Â Gulfstream Park
Kentucky Oaks
- Date: May 3, 2024
- Location: Kentucky, US
- Track:Â Churchill Downs
Kentucky Derby
- Date: May 4, 2024
- Location: Kentucky, US
- Track:Â Churchill Downs
Preakness Stakes
- Date: May 18, 2024
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland, US
- Track:Â Pimlico Race Course
Belmont Stakes
- Date: June 8, 2024
- Location: Elmont, New York‎, USA
- Track:Â Belmont Park
Breeders Cup
- Date: November 2, 2024
- Location: Arcadia, California USA
- Track:Â Santa Anita Park
Latest Horse Racing Betting News
Learn More About Horse Racetracks
Horse racing is a sport that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries. It involves thoroughbred horses running around a track in a race to the finish line. There are various types of horse racing tracks, and they can be categorized into A tracks and B tracks.
Regardless of whether they are A tracks or B tracks, horse racing tracks are designed with the safety of the horses and riders in mind. They are usually oval or circular in shape, and the surface is made of dirt, grass, or synthetic materials.
The tracks are designed to be wide enough to allow the horses to run freely without bumping into each other, and there are various safety measures in place to prevent accidents. This will also help with their performance and improve in the horse racing stats.Â
A Tracks
A Tracks are the most prestigious tracks in horse racing. They are the venues for the most significant horse racing events in the world, such as the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes.
These tracks are often located in major cities and have a long and rich history of horse racing. A Tracks attract the best horses, jockeys, and trainers in the world, and the races held there are typically the most lucrative in terms of prize money.
Aqueduct Racetrack is a well-known horse racing facility located in Ozone Park, New York. It is part of the New York Racing Association and hosts several major races, including the Wood Memorial Stakes and the Cigar Mile Handicap.
With its long history and thrilling races, Aqueduct is a popular destination for horse racing followers and sports fans alike.
The racetrack also features a casino with electronic games and various dining options, making it a great entertainment destination.
- Date Opened: September 27, 1894
- Course type:Â Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: New York City
- Notable Races: Wood Memorial Stakes, Cigar Mile Handicap, Carter Handicap, Gazelle Stakes
Belmont Park is a legendary horse racing venue located in Elmont, New York. It is home to the Belmont Stakes, the final and most prestigious leg of the Triple Crown, which draws thousands of visitors from around the world every year.
The racetrack also hosts numerous other major races, including the Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Belmont Oaks Invitational. With its rich history, top-notch facilities, and thrilling races, Belmont Park is a must-visit destination for horse racing followers and sports fans.
- Date Opened: May 4, 1905
- Course Type:Â Flat/Thoroughbred
1.5 miles (2.4Â km) - Location: Hempstead Turnpike-Elmont, New York
- Notable Races:Â Belmont Stakes
Metropolitan Handicap
Woodward Stakes
Champagne Stakes
Manhattan Handicap
Suburban Handicap
Vosburgh Stakes
Beldame Stakes
Acorn Stakes
Mother Goose Stakes
Ogden Phipps Handicap
Man O’ War Stakes
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational
Frizette Stakes
Vosburgh Stakes
Belmont Derby
Belmont Oaks
Churchill Downs is a world-famous horse racing venue located in Louisville, Kentucky. It is the home of the Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious race in American horse racing, and hosts several other major races throughout the year, including the Kentucky Oaks and the Stephen Foster Handicap.
The racetrack features a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf track, as well as luxurious amenities, including VIP suites and fine dining options. With its rich history, exciting races, and top-notch facilities, Churchill Downs is a must-visit destination for horse racing enthusiasts and sports fans.
- Date Opened:Â 1875
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location:Â Louisville, Kentucky
- Notable Races:Â
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Oaks
Woodford Reserve Turf Classic
Stephen Foster Handicap
Clark Handicap
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is a premier horse racing venue located in Del Mar, California, known for its picturesque setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The racetrack hosts several major races, including the Pacific Classic, the Del Mar Oaks, and the Bing Crosby Stakes.
The facility features a one-mile main track and a seven-furlong turf track, including a concert venue, VIP suites, and fine dining options.Â
With its stunning views, exciting races, and upscale atmosphere, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts and entertainment seekers.
- Date Opened:Â July 3, 1937
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location:Â Del Mar, California
- Notable Races:Â Pacific ClassicÂ
Eddie Read StakesÂ
Del Mar OaksÂ
Bing Crosby Stakes
Clement L. Hirsch StakesÂ
Del Mar DebutanteÂ
Del Mar FuturityÂ
Delaware Park is a popular horse racing venue located in Stanton, Delaware. It is one of the premier thoroughbred racetracks in the region and hosts several major races, including the Delaware Oaks, Delaware Handicap, and Endine Stakes.
The track features a one-mile dirt track and a 7/8 mile turf course, as well as a casino with slot machines, table games, and dining options.
With its exciting races, vibrant atmosphere, and diverse entertainment options, Delaware Park is a top destination for horse racing enthusiasts and entertainment seekers.
- Date Opened: 1937
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: Stanton, Delaware, United States
- Notable Races:Â Delaware HandicapÂ
Delaware OaksÂ
Kent StakesÂ
Fair Grounds Race Course is a renowned thoroughbred horse racing venue located in New Orleans, Louisiana. It hosts several major races throughout the year, including the Louisiana Derby, the New Orleans Handicap, and the Fair Grounds Oaks.
The racetrack features a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course, including a clubhouse, suites, and dining options. In addition to horse racing, Fair Grounds also features a casino with slot machines and table games.
With its exciting races, rich history, and diverse entertainment options, Fair Grounds Race Course is a must-visit destination for horse racing lovers and entertainment seekers alike.
- Date Opened: 1838
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Notable Races:Â Louisiana DerbyÂ
New Orleans HandicapÂ
Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Mml HandicapÂ
Fair Grounds OaksÂ
Gulfstream Park is a world-class horse racing facility located in Hallandale Beach, Florida, featuring a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course. It is home to several prestigious races, including the Florida Derby and the Pegasus World Cup, which attract top horses and jockeys from around the world.Â
The racetrack also features luxurious amenities, such as VIP suites, fine dining options, and a casino with slot machines and table games.
With its exciting races, upscale atmosphere, and diverse entertainment options, Gulfstream Park is a must-visit destination for horse racing enthusiasts and entertainment seekers.
- Date Opened:1939/1944
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: Hallandale Beach, Florida
- Notable Races:Â Florida DerbyÂ
Pegasus World CupÂ
Keeneland Race Track is a world-renowned thoroughbred racing facility located in Lexington, Kentucky. The track is known for its picturesque setting and hosts several major races each year, including the Blue Grass Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
With its storied history, elegant facilities, and high-quality racing, Keeneland is a top destination for horse racing supporters and sports fans.
The track also features a world-class sales pavilion for thoroughbred auctions and an on-site museum dedicated to the sport of horse racing.
- Date Opened: 1936
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Notable Races:Â Ashland StakesÂ
Turf Mile StakesÂ
Breeders’ Futurity StakesÂ
Blue Grass StakesÂ
Kentucky Downs is a one-of-a-kind horse racing venue located in Franklin, Kentucky. Known for its European-style turf course with undulating hills, Kentucky Downs offers a truly unique racing experience.
The track hosts several major races throughout the year, including the Kentucky Turf Cup and the Ladies Turf Stakes, and offers simulcast betting on races from around the world.
With its scenic surroundings, exciting races, and friendly atmosphere, Kentucky Downs is a must-visit destination for horse racing enthusiasts and sports fans alike.
- Date Opened: April 22, 1990
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: Franklin, Kentucky
- Notable Races: Kentucky Turf Cup
Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint Stakes
Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint Stakes
Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf Stakes
Franklin-Simpson Stakes
Mint Million
Experience the thrill of live horse racing at Los Alamitos Race Course, located in the heart of Cypress, California.
With its state-of-the-art facilities and top-notch amenities, including a quarter-horse track and a one-mile dirt track, Los Alamitos hosts some of the most exciting races on the West Coast, such as the Los Alamitos Derby and the Champion of Champions.
Whether you’re a seasoned horse racing fan or a first-time visitor, Los Alamitos Race Course offers an unforgettable entertainment experience for everyone.
- Date Opened: 1951
- Course type: Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse
- Location: Los Alamitos, California
- Notable Races:Â Los Alamitos $2 Million Futurity
Ed Burke Memorial Futurity
Kindergarten Futurity
Golden State Million Futurity
Mildred Vessels Memorial
Los Alamitos Super Derby
Los Alamitos Derby,
Los Alamitos Futurity
Located in the heart of the Jersey Shore, Monmouth Park Racetrack is a world-class horse racing venue that offers an unparalleled entertainment experience.
The racetrack features a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course, and hosts several major races each year, including the Haskell Invitational and the Monmouth Cup.
The venue also offers a variety of amenities, such as a sports bar, a picnic area, and a family fun zone, making it an ideal destination for horse racing fans and families alike.
- Date Opened: July 30, 1870
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: Oceanport, New Jersey
- Notable Races:Â Haskell Invitational StakesÂ
United Nations StakesÂ
Molly Pitcher Stakes
Monmouth CupÂ
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is the premier horse racing and gaming destination in the Southern United States, located in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The resort features a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course, and hosts several major races each year, including the Arkansas Derby and the Oaklawn Handicap.
The casino offers a wide range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and sports betting, as such as upscale restaurants and a world-class spa.
Whether you’re a horse racing follower or a gaming fanatic, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort offers an unforgettable entertainment experience for everyone.
- Date Opened: 1904
- Course type: Thoroughbred
- Location: Hot Springs, AR
- Notable Races: Apple Blossom Handicap
Arkansas Derby
Oaklawn Handicap
Fantasy Stakes
Rebel Stakes
Azeri Stakes
Southwest Stakes
Razorback Handicap
Count Fleet Sprint Handicap
The Arcadia Santa Anita Park is a world-renowned horse racing facility located in Arcadia, California. Featuring a picturesque setting nestled against the San Gabriel Mountains, this historic track has been the site of many legendary races and has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
With its state-of-the-art facilities, world-class amenities, and rich history, the Arcadia Santa Anita Park is a must-visit destination for horse racing fans and anyone looking.
- Date Opened: December 25, 1934
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: Huntington, Arcadia, CA
- Notable Races:Â Breeders Cup, Santa Anita Handicap, Santa Anita Derby, Sunshine Millions Day
Experience the thrill of live horse racing at Saratoga Race Course, located in the heart of Saratoga Springs, New York.
Known as one of the most historic and picturesque racetracks in the country, Saratoga Race Course features a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course, and hosts several major races each year, including the Alabama Stakes and the Sword Dancer Invitational.
The venue also offers a variety of amenities, such as luxury suites, fine dining options, and a family-friendly picnic area, making it an ideal destination for horse racing enthusiasts and families alike.
- Date Opened: August 3, 1863
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: Saratoga Springs, New York
- Notable Races: Travers StakesÂ
Whitney HandicapÂ
Alabama StakesÂ
Jockey Club Gold CupÂ
B Tracks
B Tracks, on the other hand, are less prestigious than A Tracks. They are usually located in smaller towns and cities and host races that are not as well-known as those held at A Tracks.
B Tracks often have smaller grandstands and fewer amenities than A Tracks, but they are still an important part of the horse racing industry. B Tracks provide opportunities for up-and-coming horses, jockeys, and trainers to gain experience and build their reputations. They also offer a more affordable option for horse owners to race their horses.
Canterbury Park is a world-class horse racing and entertainment destination located in the heart of Minnesota.
Featuring live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing, as well as simulcast racing from around the world, the park offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience for all visitors.
- Date Opened: June 26, 1985
- Course type: Thoroughbred
- Location: Shakopee, Minnesota
- Notable Races: Claiming Crown, Mystic Lake Derby, Minnesota Oaks
Charles Town Races & Slots is a premier horse racing and gaming destination located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. With its one-mile dirt track and seven-furlong turf course, the venue hosts several major races each year, including the Charles Town Classic and the Jefferson County Stakes.
Charles Town Races & Slots also offers a wide range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and a poker room, as well as a variety of amenities, such as an upscale restaurant, a sports bar, and a concert venue.
Whether you’re a horse racing supporter or a gaming fan, Charles Town Races & Slots offers an unforgettable entertainment experience for everyone.
- Date Opened: December 3, 1933
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: Jefferson County, West Virginia
- Notable Races:Â Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby, Jeff Ruby Steaks, Louisiana Derby, Charles Town ClassicÂ
Ellis Park is a premier horse racing and gaming destination located in the heart of Kentucky. With its one-mile dirt track and seven-furlong turf course, the venue hosts several major races each year, including the Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes and the Audubon Oaks.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events, and race results at Ellis Park by following our comprehensive coverage.
- Date Opened: 1922
- Course type: Thoroughbred
- Location: Henderson, KY
- Notable Races:Â The Gardenia Stakes, Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes, Audubon Oaks
Golden Gate Fields is a premier horse racing and entertainment destination located in the San Francisco Bay Area. With its one-mile synthetic track and seven-furlong turf course, the venue hosts several major races each year, including the California Derby and the Campanile Stakes.
Golden Gate Fields also offers a wide range of gaming options, including simulcast betting on races from around the world, as well as a variety of amenities, such as a sports bar, fine dining options, and a picnic area.
- Date Opened: 1941
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: Berkeley, California
- Notable Races:Â California Derby, San Francisco Mile Stakes, Golden Gate Derby, Berkeley Handicap, Campanile Stakes
Laurel Park is a premier horse racing and entertainment destination located in the heart of Maryland.
With its one-mile dirt track and seven-furlong turf course, the venue hosts several major races each year, including the Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash and the Barbara Fritchie Handicap.
- Date Opened: October 2, 1911
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: Laurel, Maryland
- Notable Races: De Francis Memorial DashÂ
Barbara Fritchie StakesÂ
Baltimore Washington International Turf CupÂ
General George Stakes
Maryland Million Classic
Lone Star Park is the premier horse racing and entertainment destination in North Texas, featuring a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course.
The venue hosts several major races each year, including the Texas Mile and the Lone Star Park Handicap, attracting top horses and jockeys from around the world.
- Date Opened: 1997
- Course type: Thoroughbred/Â Quarter Horse
- Location:Â Grand Prairie, Texas
- Notable Races: Steve Sexton Mile Stakes, Lone Star Park Handicap
Experience the excitement of live horse racing at Louisiana Downs, one of the premier horse racing venues in the South. With its one-mile dirt track and seven-furlong turf course, the venue hosts several major races each year, including the Louisiana Cup and the Super Derby.
- Date Opened: 1974
- Course type: Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse
- Location: Bossier City, Louisiana
- Notable Races:Â Super Derby, Tiznow Handicap
Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment is the premier horse racing and entertainment destination in the Tri-State area, featuring a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course.
The venue hosts several major races each year, including the Hambletonian Stakes and the Meadowlands Pace, attracting top horses and jockeys from around the world. In addition to horse racing, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment also offers a variety of gaming options, including slot machines and video poker, such as an upscale restaurant, a sports bar, and a concert venue.
- Date Opened: September 1, 1976
- Course type: Harness/Thoroughbred
- Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Notable Races:Â Hambletonian Stakes, The Meadowlands Pace, The Cane Pace.
Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort is the premier horse racing and gaming destination in the Appalachian region, featuring a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course.
The venue hosts several major races each year, including the West Virginia Derby and the West Virginia Governor’s Stakes, attracting top horses and jockeys from around the country.
- Date Opened: May 19, 1951
- Course type: Thoroughbred
- Location: New Cumberland, West Virginia
- Notable Races: West Virginia Derby
Parx Racing is the premier horse racing and gaming destination in the Northeast, featuring a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course.
The venue hosts several major races each year, including the Pennsylvania Derby and the Cotillion Stakes, attracting top horses and jockeys from around the world.
- Date Opened: November 4, 1974
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location:Â Bensalem, Pennsylvania
- Notable Races:Â Pennsylvania Derby, Cotillion Stakes
Penn National Race Course is the premier horse racing and gaming destination in the Mid-Atlantic region, featuring a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course.
The venue hosts several major races each year, including the Penn Mile and the Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup, attracting top horses and jockeys from around the world.
Whether you’re a horse racing fan, Penn National Race Course offers an unforgettable entertainment experience for everyone.
- Date Opened: August 30, 1972
- Course type: Thoroughbred
- Location: Grantville, Pennsylvania
- Notable Races: Penn Mile Stakes, Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup
Pimlico Race Course is a premier horse racing and entertainment destination located in Baltimore, Maryland. With its one-mile dirt track and seven-furlong turf course, the venue hosts several major races each year, including the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown.
- Date Opened: 1870
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
- Notable Races: Preakness Stakes
Black-Eyed Susan Stakes
Dixie Stakes
Pimlico Special
Ruidoso Downs Race Track is the premier horse racing and entertainment destination in New Mexico, featuring a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course.
The venue hosts several major races each year, including the All American Futurity and the Rainbow Futurity, attracting top horses and jockeys from around the world.
- Date Opened: 1940
- Course type: Horness/Thoroughbred
- Location: Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico
- Notable Races: All American Futurity, All American Derby, Rainbow Futurity
Sam Houston Race Park is the premier horse racing and entertainment destination in the South, featuring a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course.
The venue hosts several major races each year, including the Houston Ladies Classic and the Sam Houston Futurity, attracting top horses and jockeys from around the region.
- Date Opened: April 24, 1994
- Course type: Quarter Horse/Thoroughbred
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Notable Races: John B. Connally Turf Cup, Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile, Houston Ladies Classic, Sam Houston Futurity
Suffolk Downs Race Park is a historic and iconic horseracing venue located in East Boston, Massachusetts.
This racecourse is known for its rich heritage, having hosted some of the most prestigious races in the country since its opening in 1935.
With its state-of-the-art facilities, including a grandstand seating up to 15,000 spectators and a mile-long dirt track, Suffolk Downs has become a popular destination for horseracing enthusiasts and tourists alike.
- Date Opened: July 10, 1935
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: East Boston, Massachusetts
- Notable Races: Massachusetts Handicap, Suffolk Downs Classic
Tampa Bay Downs is the premier horse racing and gaming destination in Florida, featuring a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course.
The venue hosts several major races each year, including the Tampa Bay Derby and the Sam F. Davis Stakes, attracting top horses and jockeys from around the country.
- Date Opened:Â 1926
- Course type: Thoroughbred
- Location: Oldsmar, Florida
- Notable Races:Â Tampa Bay Derby, Hillsborough Stakes, Sam F. Davis Stakes
Turfway Park is the premier horse racing and entertainment destination in the Midwest, featuring a one-mile synthetic track and a six and a half-furlong turf course.
The venue hosts several major races each year, including the Jeff Ruby Steaks and the Bourbonette Oaks, attracting top horses and jockeys from around the region.
- Date Opened: 1959
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: Boone County, Kentucky
- Notable Races:Â Jeff Ruby SteaksÂ
Bourbonette Oaks
Woodbine Racetrack is the premier horse racing and entertainment destination in Canada, located in Toronto, Ontario.
The venue features two tracks: a one-mile synthetic main track and a seven-furlong turf course.
Woodbine Racetrack hosts several major races each year, including the prestigious Queen’s Plate, attracting top horses and jockeys from around the world.
- Date Opened: June 12, 1956
- Course type: Flat/Thoroughbred
- Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Notable Races:Â Canadian International StakesÂ
Queen’s Plate
Breeders’ Stakes
Woodbine MileÂ
E.P. Taylor Stakes
Nearctic Stakes
Northern Dancer Turf Stakes
Tips Before Betting on Horse Racing Events
In addition to those major events, there are numerous other horse racing events held throughout the year, both in North America and Europe. Be sure to check out the horse racing odds before placing your bets!
Betting on horse racing can be a fun and exciting way to enjoy the sport and potentially win money. Here are some steps to follow when betting on horse races:
Understand Horse Racing bet types
There are several types of bets you can make on horse races, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta. Each bet has different odds and payouts, so it’s important to understand them before placing your bet and make sure to check the horse racing schedules to keep updated with the last events.
Research the horses & jockeys
Before placing your bet, research the horse racing news, the horses and jockeys that will be competing. Look at their past performances, their track record, and any relevant information that could affect their performance.
Check the updated odds:
The horse racing odds will give you an idea of how likely a horse is to win, and how much you could potentially win if you bet on that horse.
Set a budget
Decide how much money you are willing to bet and stick to that budget. Know how much you can afford to lose at all times.
Place a bet
Once you have decided on the type of bet you want to make, the horse you want to bet on, and the amount you want to bet, go to the betting window or use a betting app to place your bet.