Every sport has its biggest stages — and in US horse racing, signature races are where legends are made. From the tradition of the Kentucky Derby to the high-stakes drama of the Breeders’ Cup, these races attract the best horses, the sharpest bettors, and millions in wagering handle.
Knowing these races means knowing when to watch, how to bet, and how to maximize value on MyWinners, where you can wager live on all the action.
🏆 The Triple Crown
🏆 The Triple Crown
1. Kentucky Derby
When: First Saturday in May
Where: Churchill Downs, KY
What makes it special: The most famous horse race in the US. Mint juleps, big hats, and 20 of the best 3-year-olds in the country.
How to bet: Big pools = value exotics like Trifectas and Superfectas.
2. Preakness Stakes
When: Two weeks after the Derby
Where: Pimlico, MD
What makes it special: Shorter distance, often a tactical test for Derby contenders.
How to bet: Watch for horses skipping the Derby — they’re often fresher.
3. Belmont Stakes
When: Three weeks after the Preakness
Where: Belmont Park, NY
What makes it special: Known as “The Test of the Champion” — the longest Triple Crown race.
How to bet: Distance pedigree matters — look at breeding and stamina.
🌎 The Breeders’ Cup World Championships
🌎 The Breeders’ Cup World Championships
When: Late October / early November
Where: Rotates annually (Keeneland, Santa Anita, etc.)
What makes it special: The biggest international showdown in US racing. 14 Grade 1 races over two days with massive purses.
How to bet: Wide-open fields mean huge payouts. Use multi-race bets like Pick 4s and cross-surface form to find value.
🎯 Other High-Profile US Races
🎯 Other High-Profile US Races
Race | Venue | Timing | Notes |
Travers Stakes | Saratoga | August | “Mid-summer Derby” for 3-year-olds |
Pegasus World Cup | Gulfstream Park | January | High-purse invitational for older horses |
Florida Derby | Gulfstream Park | March | Key Kentucky Derby prep |
Santa Anita Derby | Santa Anita | April | West Coast Derby prep |
Arlington Million | Colonial Downs (formerly Arlington Park) | August | Top turf race with international appeal |
🧠 Why Signature Races Matter to Bettors
🧠 Why Signature Races Matter to Bettors
These races draw the best horses, trainers, and jockeys — and the most public money. That means sharper competition but also more liquidity in the pools. On MyWinners, you get full past performances, tote odds, and live video for every major stakes day — perfect for researching and refining your bets.
💡 Did You Know? Only 13 horses in history have won the Triple Crown — and American Pharoah’s 2015 victory ended a 37-year drought. His win in the Belmont sparked a betting frenzy that made it one of the highest-handle races of the decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signature horse races in the US for betting?
What are the signature horse races in the US for betting?
Key races include the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and the Breeders’ Cup — all of which draw large betting pools and high viewership.
How do Triple Crown races differ in distance and strategy?
How do Triple Crown races differ in distance and strategy?
The Derby is 1¼ miles, Preakness is shorter and faster, while Belmont is 1½ miles and tests stamina. Each demands a different betting approach.
Can I bet on US signature races at MyWinners?
Can I bet on US signature races at MyWinners?
Yes — MyWinners provides live odds, racecards, and streaming for every Triple Crown race and Breeders’ Cup event, plus access to major prep races.
Why are exotic bets so popular in signature races?
Why are exotic bets so popular in signature races?
With large fields and more public money, exotic wagers (Exactas, Trifectas, Pick 4s) often deliver bigger payouts, especially on upset days.
What makes the Breeders’ Cup unique compared to other US races?
What makes the Breeders’ Cup unique compared to other US races?
It brings together top horses from around the world for 14 elite races across two days — making it a global betting bonanza for US punters.