2024 horse racing schedule: Key dates for summer and autumn seasons

The 2024 horse racing schedule is full of action and excitement, as the North American horse racing scene is packed with important races through the summer and fall. Here’s a schedule of milestone events in the coming months:

Summer Horse Racing Schedule

July 11

Opening day at Saratoga: Some of the best summer horse racing competition takes place at Saratoga in New York. The prestigious meet kicks off that Thursday.

July 20

Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga: Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Thorpedo Anna may start in this prestigious prize for three-year-old fillies.

Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park: Reigning two-year-old champion Fierceness is targeting this important contest for sophomores.

Opening day at Del Mar: Racing action at California’s beloved seaside oval gets started on the third Saturday of July.

Join us for our live blog on this day for the latest updates.

Aug. 3

Whitney (G1) at Saratoga: The Whitney is an important steppingstone to the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), and it’s one of three Grade 1 races on this Saratoga card.

Aug. 10

Arlington Million (G1) at Colonial Downs: The Beverly D. (G2) and Secretariat (G2) support the Arlington Million on this important afternoon of grass racing.

Join us for our live blog on this day for the latest updates.

Aug. 17

Alabama (G1) at Saratoga: Another important summer prize for sophomore fillies, the Alabama could feature Thorpedo Anna.

King’s Plate at Woodbine: The best Canadian-bred three-year-olds will face off in Canada’s equivalent to the Kentucky Derby.

Aug. 24

Travers (G1) at Saratoga: The Midsummer Derby typically draws Triple Crown alumni, and Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan is among the expected starters.

Join us for our live blog on this day for the latest updates.

Aug. 31

Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar: California’s most important summer race for older horses takes place on the last day of the month.

Aug. 31-Sept. 2

Closing weekend at Saratoga: The Spinaway (G1), Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1), and Hopeful (G1) are the feature events as Saratoga winds down.

Sept. 7-8

Closing weekend at Del Mar: Two-year-olds will take center stage in the Del Mar Debutante (G1) and Del Mar Futurity (G1) as Del Mar wraps up.

Sept. 14

Woodbine Mile (G1) at Woodbine: The Woodbine Mile is one of four Grade 1 horse racing competitions (including three Breeders’ Cup qualifiers) taking place on a busy afternoon in Canada.

Join us for our live blog on this day for the latest updates.

Sept. 21

Pennsylvania Derby (G1) at Parx Racing: The final day of summer could see Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan start in the Pennsylvania Derby.

Fall Horse Racing Schedule

Sept. 28

California Crown (G1) at Santa Anita: The Awesome Again (G1) has been renamed the California Crown, and the purse has been boosted to $1 million. Don’t miss this rich Breeders’ Cup Classic qualifier.

Join us for our live blog on this day for the latest updates.

Oct. 4-6

Fall Stars Weekend at Keeneland: Five Grade 1 stakes are taking place on opening weekend at Keeneland. Four of them are Breeders’ Cup qualifiers.

Join us for our live blog on this day for the latest updates.

Nov. 1-2

Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar: The U.S. racing year hits its peak with the Breeders’ Cup, a series of 14 Grade 1 races that play a huge role in determining year-end champions.

Join us for our live blog on this day for the latest updates.

Nov. 28-30

Thanksgiving week at Churchill Downs: The Kentucky Jockey Club (G2), an early 2025 Kentucky Derby prep, is expected to take place during this stakes-packed week.

Dec. 4

Remsen (G2) at Aqueduct: Last year’s Remsen churned out Belmont (G1) winner Dornoch and Kentucky Derby runner-up Sierra Leone, so this is a must-watch test for two-year-olds.

These events represent the best of horse racing in North America during the summer and fall seasons, bringing in top horses, trainers, and jockeys, and they are essential additions to include in your horse racing calendar for 2024. If you want to find the earliest races, visit the TwinSpires calendar to explore today's and upcoming races further.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does the 2024 horse racing season start?

The 2024 horse racing season typically begins in January, with races scheduled throughout the year across various racetracks in North America.

2. What are the major horse racing events in the summer and autumn of 2024?

The summer and autumn of 2024 feature major horse racing events such as the Haskell Invitational, Travers Stakes, Breeders' Cup, and many other prestigious races at Saratoga and Del Mar.

3. How can I find the full 2024 horse racing calendar?

The full 2024 horse racing calendar can be found on TwinSpires website, including dates, locations, and details of all major and minor races.

4. How can I find the live horse racing schedule for today's races?

The live horse racing schedule can be found in the Today's Races section on the TwinSpires website.

5. Can I place online bets on the 2024 horse races?

Yes, you can place bets on the 2024 horse races online through licensed betting platforms, such as TwinSpires. Before placing a bet, check out our expert picks and today's best bets for informed wagering decisions.

6. Are there any special promotions or bonuses for betting on the 2024 horse races? 

Check TwinSpires Promotions page for special promotions, bonuses, and offers related to betting on the 2024 horse races.