Top 10 best horse racing tracks in the USA

Racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media)

October 22nd, 2024

From coast to coast and everywhere in between, the United States is home to many top-tier Thoroughbred racetracks.

While racing fans and bettors doubtlessly have individual preferences for favorite tracks, no list of the best horse racing tracks in the USA is complete without the following 10 facilities:

BET LIVE HORSE RACING HERE!

Belmont Park

Longtime home of the Belmont (G1), Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, features a massive dirt track 1 1/2 miles in circumference. Belmont Park is currently being rebuilt with an eye toward a full reopening in 2026.

Racing at Del Mar. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Del Mar

With the support of singer and actor Bing Crosby, Del Mar opened in 1937 in Del Mar, California. Today, the seaside oval hosts some of the best horse racing on the West Coast.

Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, has hosted the fabled Kentucky Derby (G1) every year since opening in 1875 and is arguably the most famous racetrack in the country.

Gulfstream Park (Coglianese Photography)

Gulfstream Park

Although Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, races for much of the year, it’s best known for its top-tier winter racing, highlighted by the rich Pegasus World Cup (G1) and Florida Derby (G1).

Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photography/Amanda Hodges Weir)

Fair Grounds

Fair Grounds in New Orleans is one of the oldest racetracks in the U.S., dating back to the 1800s. Its winter racing program is highlighted by Kentucky Derby preps, including the Louisiana Derby (G2).

Keeneland (Photo courtesy of Keeneland)

Keeneland

One of the most picturesque U.S. racetracks is Keeneland. The Lexington, Kentucky, track hosts short but elite race meets in the spring and fall, with the Blue Grass (G1) — an important Kentucky Derby prep — serving as its signature race.

(Coady Photography/Kentucky Downs)

Kentucky Downs

Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Kentucky, is famous for conducting exclusively grass racing over a unique European-style turf course. Kentucky Downs races only a few days per year, but the prize money is lucrative, with many stakes offering million-dollar purses.

Courtesy of Oaklawn Park Racing

Oaklawn Park

Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, dates back to 1904. It doesn’t have a turf course, but the quality of dirt racing is excellent throughout its winter/spring meet, led by the rich Arkansas Derby (G1).

Horses break from the starting gate at Santa Anita (Photo by Alex Evers/Eclipse Sportswire)

Santa Anita

Home of the Santa Anita Derby (G1), Santa Anita in Arcadia, California, opened in 1934 and has hosted more editions of the Breeders’ Cup (G1) than any other track through 2024.