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Unveiling the Top 5 Most Bet On Horse Racing Events in America
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Unveiling the Top 5 Most Bet On Horse Racing Events in America

The popularity of horse racing in the United States has grown over the years. The sport holds a special place in the hearts of many, and there’s no denying the exhilaration that comes from betting on horse races!

There are numerous prestigious horse racing events in the US, but which ones attract the most excitement when it comes to betting, and which ones should you get involved in? This article unveils the top five most betted-on horse racing events in America!

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The Kentucky Derby

Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Kentucky Derby is America’s most anticipated horse race. And the most betted-on. The race is held annually on the first Saturday in May at the legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s the first race of the prestigious Triple Crown series.

The popularity of the Kentucky Derby can be attributed in part to its famous practices. Some of the most practiced traditions include:

  • Sipping mint juleps (an iced cocktail with bourbon, mint, and sugar.)
  • Wearing elaborate and fancy hats.
  • Lively parties at the track.
  • Eating Derby Pie (a chocolate and walnut custard pie) while watching the race.

These traditions and the excitement surrounding the race attract so many bets. There are many opportunities to enjoy betting at the Kentucky Derby, from simple bets like win, place, and show bets to more complex ones. Consult this in-depth expert guide to the best horse betting sites to get involved in Kentucky Derby betting the next time the race rolls around!

Mage (8), ridden by Javier Castellano, wins the Kentucky Derby (Grade 1) on Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. Alex Evers/Eclipse Sportswire/CSM

The Preakness Stakes

The second most betted-on horse race in the US is the Preakness Stakes. It’s the second race of the Triple Crown series and features the shortest track. It occurs two weeks after the Kentucky Derby at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Preakness Stakes offers an unmatched atmosphere for betting. Despite its short length, the race sees lively events all day. For example, the InfieldFest is an all-day music festival held together with the race. In the past, it has featured famous artists like Bruno Mars and Zack Bia!

Betting on the Preakness Stakes is popular because of the race’s lively atmosphere and positioning after the Kentucky Derby. During the Preakness Stakes, fans try to predict whether the winner of the Kentucky Derby will secure the second race in the Triple Crown series or if a new victor will emerge!

National Treasure with John Velazquez wins the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Racecourse on May 20, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. Evers/Eclipse Sportswire/CSM

The Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes completes the prestigious Triple Crown series and comes in at the US’s third most betted-on horse race. It occurs three weeks after the Preakness Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It’s the longest race in the Triple Crown series, giving both horses and jockeys a significant challenge.

The Belmont Stakes offers an exciting betting environment because of its place as the last race in the Triple Crown series. If one victor emerges in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, then immense excitement is generated to see if they can win the Belmont Stakes, too. Even if no Triple Crown is at stake, the Belmont Stakes still attracts bets on talented contenders looking to etch their names in racing history.

Arcangelo (3) ridden by Javier Castellano wins the Belmont Stakes (Grade 1) at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York on June 10, 2023. Jason Moran/Eclipse Sportswire/CSM

The Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup is the US’s next most betted-on horse race. It’s held on a different track every year on the first Friday and Saturday of November. Because of the changing venues, the race offers something new every time!

The Breeders’ Cup features many famous traditions:

The Breeders’ Cup attracts so many excited betters because of the amount of talent it attracts. Also, different track conditions mean that betting never gets dull because the skill of the horse and jockey must be combined with a new set of conditions annually to predict the winner.

The Travers Stakes

The Travers Stakes is the fifth most betted-on horse race in the US. It’s nicknamed the “Mid-Summer Derby” and takes place in August. It is held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York.

The Travers Stakes is open to three-year-olds and attracts top talent worldwide. This alone leads to a rich betting environment! Additionally, the race’s positioning after the Triple Crown means that teams that didn’t compete in the Triple Crown finally have their chance to shine. This creates exciting match-ups and, therefore, lucrative betting opportunities.

Conclusion

Horse racing has been a part of American sports culture for a long time, and the thrill of betting on these races only adds to its allure! The top five most betted-on horse racing events in the US attract top talent, excited betters, and an unforgettable experience!

Whether you’re in it for the heart-pounding action or the chance to win big, horse racing events in the US provide an unparalleled spectacle that continues to captivate the nation. So, next time you find yourself at the track, consider placing a bet and immersing yourself in the timeless tradition of horse racing!