Kentucky is widely regarded as the horse capital of the United States. It is one of the most beautiful places to breed, train, and race horses across the world, with many believing it to be the ideal place to bring up aspiring champions due to the filtered water in Kentucky. 

The water is mineral-based, meaning it is perfect for producing strong bones in horses, and therefore, it is little surprise that more than 450 horses are housed in farms surrounding the city of Lexington. 

Early History

The historical trace of horses being bred and trained in the state can be dated back to the 1700s, as William Whitley built a home in south Lexington, with Crab Orchard later becoming the first home of clay racing in the United States. 

Racing in the region would continue to gain popularity, with Race Street becoming the first thoroughbred racing track in the region in 1830. Such was the success of these tracks, businesses and horsemen worked together to build one of the industry-leading tracks, with Keeneland opened in 1936.

It’s not all about racing in the state, with Kentucky constantly staying true to its roots in terms of gambling, as it was one of few in the U.S. that didn’t impose a ban on wagers. 

This saw the state become home to many breeding operations, including some of the most famous, which remain open to this day. Claiborne Farm was opened in 1910, and produced champions such as Secretariat and Unbridled, while Calumet Farm was opened in 1924, and has since produced eight winners of the Kentucky Derby.

Churchill Downs

There are few more iconic venues in Kentucky to watch horse racing action than Churchill Downs. The track has been open to the public since 1875, and is named in honor of Samuel Churchill. Such has been the prestige of the track, it has been selected to host the world renowned Breeders’ Cup on nine occasions. 

However, few race days on the calendar are as famous at the first Saturday in May when the Kentucky Derby is staged, according to TwinSpires. The opening leg of the Triple Crown is watched around the world, and has been staged annually since 1875. 

Horses aged three compete in the ‘run for the roses’, which lasts for around two minutes. It has created some of the most defining moments in U.S. horse racing history, including Secretariat’s legendary win in 1973, and the shocking victory for Donerail in 1913 when winning at odds of 91/1. 

The Kentucky Derby is a bucket-list event for many horse racing fans across the world. 

Keeneland

One of the most beautiful locations to watch horse racing action in the U.S. comes in the form of Keeneland. 

The track hosts racing action, but is also synonymous for the Keeneland Sales, which see some of the biggest purchases in thoroughbred racing being made. Back in 2009, it was ranked as the top horse racing track in North America, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Racing on track is staged between April and October, with the 15-day spring meet forming one of the richest in the North America, with 15 graded stakes races contested.  Keeneland has hosted three of the most famous editions of the Breeders’ Cup. 

The first of which came in 2015 when American Pharoah became the first Grand Slam winner after adding Classic success to his wins recorded in the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Preakness Stakes. More history was made in 2022 when Keeneland hosted the event for the second time, with Flightline producing one of the all-time displays to win the Classic by a commanding margin. 

Kentucky Downs

Often a forgotten gem in the region, Kentucky Downs is a horse racing delight. The track has been open since April 1990, and forms some of the most entertaining racing dates in the diary. 

The track is unlike any other circuit in the United States, as it incorporates a European style, with all the racing taking place on the turf. Interestingly, Kentucky Downs only hosted steeplechase racing in its first year, before switching to flat racing in 1992. 

Competitive racing takes place throughout the meet at the track, with graded events on the flat including the Kentucky Turf Cup, Music City Stakes, and the Dueling Grounds Derby. Jumps racing also remains incredibly popular at Kentucky Downs, with the biggest race day on the calendar being the Belle Meade Plantation Stakes. 

However, the most lucrative race to be staged at Kentucky Downs is the G1 Franklin-Simpson Stakes. This race has been held annually since 2017, with the field competing over a distance of six and a half furlongs. Recent winners of the race include Private Creed, The Lir Jet, and most recently, Howard Wolowitz.