There are few more popular family days out in sports than going to a day at the track. Horse racing is one of the most welcoming to families, especially those with younger children.
Unlike other U.S. sports, horse racing does an excellent job of making a day at the races as affordable as possible, meaning that those looking to watch live sport don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars for a ticket to an NFL match.
Nowadays, horse racing courses across America offer excellent perks when it comes to a day at the races, whether that be children entering for free, or being entertainment for younger visitors. But, what are some of the best family-friendly horse racing tracks in the U.S.?
Keeneland
Keeneland is widely regarded as one of the best horse racing tracks in the world, meaning it is little surprise that it ranks among the leaders when it comes to a family-friendly experience.
The track was first opened in 1936, and it forms an integral part of the sport, with the Thoroughbred racing facility located here. As well as that, some of the biggest deals to buy horses are made in the auction complex, meaning it is a perfect racecourse to visit for those looking to learn more about the sport.
Keeneland has hosted racing action between April and October since 1936, with the Spring Meet being one of the richest in North America. During the year, 15 graded stakes races are staged, which includes the prestigious Blue Grass Stakes, which serves as an integral prep for the Kentucky Derby.
You can find more information on how to wage in these races here: https://www.twinspires.com/edge/racing/wagering/
Saratoga
You would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful racecourse in the world than Saratoga. The Spa is considered to be the oldest sporting venue of its kind in the U.S., as it has welcomed fans to the track since 1863.
Originally, there would only be four days of racing annually at Saratoga, but this has been expanded on multiple occasions throughout history. Since 2010, there have been 40 race days on the Saratoga calendar, with the action running between Mid July and early September.
Saratoga hosts prestigious races throughout the season, but it has become known as the Graveyard of Champions due to shock results. Man o’ War was the first to fall at Saratoga, suffering his only defeat in 21 starts in the Sanford Stakes in 1919.
Since then, Gallant Fox, Rachel Alexandra and American Pharoah have all suffered shock losses at the Spa.
Gulfstream Park
Florida is an incredibly popular tourist attraction in the United States, and one of the best activities for families can be found at Gulfstream Park. The racecourse is one of the most beautiful in the country, and it is located in Hallandale Beach.
Unlike other racecourses, it is open 365 days a year, with the casino in operation enabling fans of the sport to watch live broadcasts of racing action across the world. Gulfstream hosts three major meets on track during the year, which includes the world-famous Pegasus World Cup.
This Grade One was previously the richest horse race in 2017 and 2018, and legendary winners of the race include National Treasure, Knicks Go, and Gun Runner.
The Florida Derby is also run annually at Gulfstream Park. This race has been a pivotal point in the Triple Crown series, as 21 previous winners have gone on to win one or more races in the three-year-old series.
The latest horse to achieve a Florida Derby and Kentucky Derby double was Always Dreaming in 2017. Once again, it promises to be an important form line in the Kentucky Derby for 2025.
Oaklawn Park
One of the hidden gems of U.S. horse racing can be found at Hot Springs, Arkansas. Oaklawn Park is one of the most celebrated race courses in the state of Arkansas, and it is typically one of the best family days out on the calendar for many.
The track has been open since 1904, and dirt racing takes place throughout the year. Oaklawn’s biggest meet comes over four days in April, with the most significant race coming in the form of the Arkansas Derby.
This Grade One is a pivotal stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, and it has produced the winner of the opening leg of the Triple Crown on multiple occasions.
The most famous renewal came in 2015, as American Pharoah stormed to glory before later winning the Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The Arkansas Derby is one of two Grade Ones held at the track every year, with the other coming in the form of the Apple Blossom Handicap. Further graded races that take place on the Oaklawn calendar include the Oaklawn Handicap, Rebel Stakes, and Bayakoa Stakes.
