The United States has one of the most vibrant horse racing traditions in the world. From legendary racecourses like Churchill Downs and Belmont Park to the travelling spectacle of the Breeders’ Cup, American turf offers high-stakes racing, huge purses and plenty of action for punters. In this article, we break down the most important races in the US calendar and offer tips on how to approach them from a betting perspective.
🇺🇸 Triple Crown: what it is and why it matters for bettors
The Triple Crown is the pinnacle of American flat racing for three-year-olds. It consists of three consecutive races:
- Kentucky Derby
- 📍 Churchill Downs, Louisville (Kentucky)
- 🗓️ First Saturday in May
- 📏 1¼ miles (2,000 metres)
- 🌹 Known as “The Run for the Roses”, it is the most iconic race in the US
- Preakness Stakes
- 📍 Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore (Maryland)
- 🗓️ Two weeks after the Derby
- 📏 1 3⁄16 miles (1,900 metres)
- Belmont Stakes
- 📍 Belmont Park, New York
- 🗓️ Three weeks after the Preakness
- 📏 1½ miles (2,400 metres)
Only 13 horses in history have won the Triple Crown, with the most recent champions being American Pharoah (2015) and Justify (2018).
🏆 History and Legendary Winners
The rarity of a Triple Crown winner speaks to the difficulty of the feat. Not only must a horse win three Grade 1 races in just five weeks, but each race demands a different skillset: tactical speed at Churchill Downs, resilience at Pimlico, and true stamina over the gruelling mile and a half at Belmont Park.
Some of the most legendary names in American racing have achieved it. Secretariat (1973) is still considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time, especially after his record-breaking 31-length win in the Belmont Stakes — a performance still unmatched. Affirmed (1978) and his intense rivalry with Alydar added drama to each leg of the Crown.
After a 37-year drought, American Pharoah reignited public interest in US racing with his sweeping victories in 2015. Then came Justify in 2018, who remarkably completed the Triple Crown unbeaten, having never raced as a two-year-old.
Winning the Triple Crown doesn’t just require talent — it demands perfect timing, elite training, and a horse capable of peaking three times in rapid succession. It’s racing’s toughest test in the United States.
Kentucky Derby: key facts, stats and betting trends
🎩 The Kentucky Derby: America’s Greatest Racing Tradition
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just the first leg of the Triple Crown — it’s the most famous horse race in the United States, and arguably the most iconic in the world. Held annually since 1875 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the event attracts over 150,000 spectators and millions of viewers around the globe.
The race is nicknamed “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”, not only for its fast pace over 1¼ miles but for the electric atmosphere that surrounds it. From the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home” to the colourful spectacle of extravagant hats, mint juleps, and celebrity sightings, Derby Day is as much a social event as a sporting one.
Winners of the Kentucky Derby earn instant fame. Horses like Secretariat, Citation, and American Pharoah became household names after triumphing here. The blanket of red roses draped over the winner is one of the most recognisable traditions in global sport — hence the nickname “The Run for the Roses.”
Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or a casual viewer, the Kentucky Derby stands as a uniquely American celebration of speed, style, and spectacle.
🌍 Breeders’ Cup: best races, schedule and international betting value
Held in late October or early November, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships rotates between top-tier American tracks like Santa Anita, Keeneland and Del Mar.
This two-day event features elite horses from around the world, split by age, distance, surface and gender. It’s a massive betting opportunity, especially for UK and European punters looking for international value.
Key races include:
- Breeders’ Cup Classic (dirt, 1¼ miles)
- Breeders’ Cup Turf (1½ miles)
- Breeders’ Cup Mile (turf, 1 mile)
- Juvenile races for future stars
Main US horse races – Quick facts for bettors
| Race | Track | Date | Surface | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Derby | Churchill Downs | First Saturday of May | Dirt | 1¼ miles | Triple Crown leg |
| Preakness Stakes | Pimlico | Two weeks after Derby | Dirt | 1 3⁄16 mi | Shorter, tactical race |
| Belmont Stakes | Belmont Park | Three weeks after Preak. | Dirt | 1½ miles | Longest Triple Crown leg |
| Breeders’ Cup Cl. | Rotating tracks | Late Oct / early Nov | Dirt | 1¼ miles | Flagship US race |
| Travers Stakes | Saratoga | August | Dirt | 1¼ miles | “Midsummer Derby” |
US horse racing calendar – Top dates to know in 2025
Here are some of the key dates for major races in the American flat season. These races not only attract top-level horses but also offer exciting betting opportunities for punters across the world.
| Race | Track | Date | Surface | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Derby | Churchill Downs | May 3, 2025 | Dirt | 1¼ miles |
| Preakness Stakes | Pimlico | May 17, 2025 | Dirt | 1 3⁄16 mi |
| Belmont Stakes | Belmont Park | June 7, 2025 | Dirt | 1½ miles |
| Travers Stakes | Saratoga | August 23, 2025 | Dirt | 1¼ miles |
| Breeders’ Cup Cl. | Del Mar (2025) | Oct 31 – Nov 1, 2025 | Dirt | 1¼ miles |
These dates can help you plan your betting calendar and prepare in advance. Many of these events also have strong lead-up races or prep events worth watching.
📅 Other major US races worth following
- Travers Stakes – Saratoga, August: known as the “Midsummer Derby”
- Pegasus World Cup – Gulfstream Park, January: big prize money and speed
- Florida Derby & Santa Anita Derby – crucial prep races for the Kentucky Derby
- Arkansas Derby, Wood Memorial, and Blue Grass Stakes – also part of the Derby trail
These races are key indicators of rising talent in the American three-year-old scene.
🔍 Understanding US Racing as a UK/European Bettor
American racing differs in several ways from what UK punters are used to:
- Dirt tracks dominate, unlike turf-heavy British racing
- The pace is faster, and late closers often struggle to catch front-runners
- Tight turns and short straights make early positioning critical
- Weight assignments and claiming races follow a different logic
- Paddock presence and early speed are essential variables to watch
For an in-depth explanation of how I break down races (including US cards), read my analysis method here.
🔽 Key Differences Between UK and US Flat Racing
| Aspect | USA | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Track surface | Mostly dirt | Mostly turf |
| Race pace | Fast from the gate, favouring early speed | More tactical, gradual acceleration |
| Race distance | Often shorter (5f–1½m) | Wide range, including extreme distances |
| Race layout | Oval tracks, tight turns | Varied tracks, undulating, long straights |
| Weather conditions | Generally dry | Variable (rain, soft/heavy going common) |
| Betting odds format | Fractional (USA: 5-2) or pool-based | Fractional or decimal |
| Entry system | Claiming and allowance races common | Handicaps and weight-for-age dominate |
| Racing rhythm | Speed-biased, position crucial early | More balanced, closers have more chance |
💸How to bet on US Races from the UK or Europe
While US racing is accessible to international viewers, betting on it effectively requires some adjustments.
- Know the time zones: Most American races take place in the evening UK time, which can offer value for late bets — especially on weekdays.
- Use the right bookies: Major UK platforms like Bet365, Sky Bet, William Hill and Paddy Power cover US races, usually offering fixed odds. However, not all races are covered, and some bookies may limit markets to the main events.
- Understand the odds: US tracks often use pari-mutuel (pool-based) odds. These differ from UK fixed-odds betting. If you use American tote platforms via international services, know that odds fluctuate until post time.
- Watch the replays and paddock: For serious punters, watching past performances and live paddock footage is crucial. Sites like TwinSpires, TVG and YouTube channels often share replays.
- Focus on patterns: American horses tend to race more frequently, and form cycles matter. Look for horses on the improve — especially those with early speed and inside draws on dirt.
- Bet types differ: Exotic wagers like Exactas, Trifectas and Superfectas are more common in the US. These offer big payouts but require precision. Stick to win/place bets if you’re starting out.
As always, have a staking plan and use a consistent method of analysis. If you haven’t already, check out my step-by-step race breakdown method to structure your approach.
📺 Where to Watch US Races from the UK
Access to American racing has improved significantly in recent years, with several platforms now offering live streams and replays for UK-based punters.
- Sky Sports Racing: Covers major US meetings including the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup. Ideal for evening racing coverage.
- Racing TV International: Occasionally broadcasts high-level US turf contests.
- YouTube: Official channels like NYRA, TVG, and Breeders’ Cup provide free race replays, interviews, and paddock views.
- Betting apps: Many bookmakers (Bet365, William Hill, Paddy Power) offer free live streams for logged-in users who place a bet on the race.
- Time zones: Most US races start between 6pm and 2am UK time, making them ideal for evening study or casual weekend punting.
Even if you can’t watch every race live, watching replays is a must if you want to assess form patterns, pace setups and how certain tracks play.
🇪🇸 Sanlúcar: A Unique Way of Racing on the Beach
If you’re curious about the more unusual sides of racing, don’t miss my article on horse racing in Sanlúcar, held on the beach in southern Spain. It offers a festive, cultural contrast to the more traditional formats seen in the US and UK.
🇬🇧 Comparing Newmarket and US Tracks
To better appreciate the stylistic differences between British and American racing, take a look at my guide to Newmarket’s July Course. It highlights the challenges of long straights, undulating turf and pace judgment — all starkly different from the dirt ovals in the States.
In summary: American racing offers a fast-paced, exciting calendar for informed punters. From the glamour of the Kentucky Derby to the international showdowns of the Breeders’ Cup, it’s worth your attention — and your analysis. Here at Inside The Paddock, I’ll continue expanding the International Racing section to bring you sharp, tactical insight into flat racing around the world.
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