Horse racing is as much about the experience as it is about winning big money. That’s one of the reasons why so many people go to the horse races, especially with groups of family members and friends. In fact, horse race tracks are one of the few gambling establishments were children are legally allowed to enter and attend. Many children love watching the races with their parents and families and a “day at the races” can make for an excellent family adventure. While certainly you should make sure you bet wisely, you can also maximize your experience by attending a world-class horse track. A day at a great race track can be an experience rivaling a trip to an amusement park or museum. The heritage and experience are sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.
So where are the greatest and most famed horse race tracks? Many are located in the United States and the United Kingdom. The USA and UK both have a long history with horses and horse based sports. Numerous horse sports, including polo, thorough breed horse racing, and point-to-point races are very popular. All of these sports support strong “cult” followings of dedicated fans who regularly follow their respective sports and in some cases even participate, either through mounting up or placing a bet. This strong history of horse based sports has helped make these countries leaders in the thorough breed horse racing and many of the best tracks are in the UK and USA.
You can ask just about any American to name the most famous horse race and they’ll name the Kentucky Derby. The race between 3 year old thorough breeds is held annually at the Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race has helped the Churchill Downs track become one of the most famous courses in the world by regularly placing the best horses against each other in exciting and hard fought marches. The Churchill Downs offers a great experience for families and serious gamblers alike. It features great facilities and loads of heritage.
While the East and Central USA may be home horse racing events london to the most race tracks, there are plenty of great options for Americans who live on the West Coast. Arguable the best track in the West is the Hollywood Park track, which is located outside of Los Angeles, California. The park has been in operation since 1938 and was designed by famed horse track architect Arthur Froehlich. Among other famous races the Hollywood Park track is home to the Hollywood Gold Cup and the American Oaks Invitational. As the name might suggest, Hollywood stars can frequently be found at the race track, intermingling with the families and gamblers who come for a day’s fun.
One of the more famous race courses to be built in recent decades is the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey. The course was completed in the mid 1970’s and featured its first thorough breed race in 1976. While the course is not as prestigious as the older and more established race tracks, it features a unique blend of modern conveniences and still offers a great time.
Of course, the United States isn’t the only place for famous horse tracks. England features many tracks that rival, if not surpass, their American counterparts. The Ascot Racecourse is now a favorite hang out for many of England’s rich and famous. Home of the prestigious Royal Ascot, the course offers a chance for many of England’s wealthy and royal families to display their race horses, while also offering everyone else a fun gambling and race day experience.
The UK and USA aren’t the only places with world class race tracks. Dubai isn’t famous just for unbelievably tall skyscrapers and massive shopping malls. It is also home to the new Meydan Racetrack. In typical Dubai fashion the Meydan Racetrack is a sight to behold. Seating some 60,000 people in a mile long grandstand the course offers perhaps the most modern amenities in all of horse racing. Opened only in 2010 the race course does not have much history yet but promises to be a major player in the years to come.
There are numerous other famous race tracks located across the United States, Australia, France and numerous other countries. Chances are, no matter where you live there’s a race track close enough to you to make a good weekend trip. The best race courses offer a blend of modern amenities, heritage, fast horses, and wonderful race day experiences. If you are interested in going to a race track, whether with friends or family, you should check out some the tracks located near you. Even if the best and biggest race tracks are too far away for your enjoyment, you should check out one of your local tracks. Horse racing is a prestigious and classy sport and nearly every horse track offers a fun, exciting, and clean atmosphere.