Top US Horse Racing Tracks: Where to Bet and Watch in 2025

If you're betting on horse racing in the US, you’ll quickly find that not all tracks are created equal. From the tradition of Churchill Downs to the sun-soaked speed of Santa Anita, each track has its own quirks, fan base, and betting angles. Whether you’re watching at home or betting live on MyWinners, knowing these venues helps you handicap with context and confidence.

What are the most famous US horse racing tracks?

Some tracks have earned legendary status — not just for the races they host, but for the culture around them. Here are a few that every bettor should know:

Churchill Downs (Kentucky)
Home of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill is the crown jewel of US horse racing. Expect fast dirt, large fields, and massive betting pools every spring.
Saratoga Race Course (New York)
A summer staple, Saratoga is known for upsets and deep cards. Called the “Graveyard of Champions,” it’s a place where even favourites fear to tread.
Santa Anita Park (California)
With mountain views and high-class meets, Santa Anita is a must-know for West Coast bettors. Watch for weather shifts and surface changes.
Gulfstream Park (Florida)
Winter racing heats up here. Gulfstream is known for turf sprints, wide-open fields, and key preps for the Triple Crown trail.
Del Mar (California)
Famous for its slogan, “Where the Turf Meets the Surf,” Del Mar is a seasonal gem with big fields, exotic payouts, and casual California flair.
Belmont Park (New York)
Known for the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown, Belmont offers marathon distances and a huge oval that tests stamina.

Why do racing tracks matter to bettors?

Each track has its own:

Surface bias (some favour early speed, others closers)
Weather impact (heat, rain, or wind can drastically shift form)
Trainer and jockey specialisation
Field size and purse levels
Pool liquidity (more money = more value opportunities)

The better you understand a track, the better your chances of spotting overlays and betting with edge.

How to Bet Smarter by Knowing the Track

Every track has its own “personality,” and savvy bettors learn how to read it. For example:

At Saratoga, longshots win often, so value players thrive.
Gulfstream Park favours early speed on dirt, meaning frontrunners have an edge.
Santa Anita’s weather makes form more reliable, especially on turf.
Churchill Downs tends to reward experience under the Twin Spires — look for horses with previous runs at the venue.

By understanding each track’s nuances, you can tailor your betting strategy. Maybe you spread wide at Del Mar but single confidently at Belmont. On MyWinners, you can view past performances, replays, and tote movement to see if the track bias is real — or just a rumour.

💡 Did You Know? Saratoga opened in 1863, making it one of the oldest sporting venues in the US — it predates the invention of the telephone and the light bulb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I learn about the top US horse racing tracks?

Learning about the top US horse racing tracks helps bettors make smarter wagers by understanding track-specific trends, surface biases, and racing styles.

How do different horse racing tracks affect betting strategy in the US?

Different US horse racing tracks can impact pace, surface, and distance outcomes — knowing these factors can help you adjust your selections accordingly.

Can I bet on all major US horse racing tracks using MyWinners?

Yes, MyWinners.com offers betting access to most major US tracks, including Churchill Downs, Gulfstream, Santa Anita, and more — both live and simulcast.

Which US horse racing tracks offer the biggest betting pools?

Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby), Gulfstream (Pegasus), and Belmont Park (Triple Crown races) typically offer the largest and most liquid betting pools.

What’s the best US track for beginners to start betting on horse races?

Gulfstream and Del Mar are great tracks for beginners — they offer large fields, consistent race days, and clear form trends to follow.