US Horse Racing Calendar

If you want to be a sharper bettor in 2025, timing is everything. The US horse racing season follows a rhythm — from early-year prep races to summer showdowns and the year-end Breeders’ Cup finale. Knowing when big races happen helps you plan smarter wagers, track form cycles, and take advantage of high-liquidity pools.

This guide breaks down the most important dates in the 2025 racing calendar, with betting highlights and what to look out for on MyWinners.

📅 2025 Horse Racing Schedule Highlights

Month	Key Races	Why It Matters
January	Pegasus World Cup (Gulfstream)	Early test for older horses, turf & dirt
March	Florida Derby, Louisiana Derby	Major Kentucky Derby prep races begin
April	Santa Anita Derby, Blue Grass Stakes	Final Derby points on the line
May	Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes	Triple Crown kicks off — peak betting time
June	Belmont Stakes	Longest of the three, crowns a champion
July	Haskell Invitational (Monmouth)	Key mid-season 3YO race
August	Travers Stakes (Saratoga), Arlington Million	Classic summer turf and dirt tests
September	Pennsylvania Derby, Jockey Club Gold Cup	Older horses build form for Breeders’ Cup
October	Keeneland Fall Meet begins	Big purses, 2YO showcase races
November	Breeders’ Cup (Del Mar)	Season-ending world championship of racing
December	Claiming Crown, Cigar Mile	Winter racing begins, sharp local angles

📅 2026 Horse Racing Schedule Highlights

Month	Key Races	Why It Matters
January	Pegasus World Cup (Gulfstream Park)	The first major event of the year for older horses on both turf and dirt, setting early championship form.
March	Florida Derby, Louisiana Derby	Crucial Kentucky Derby prep races that begin shaping the top contenders for the spring classics.
April	Santa Anita Derby, Blue Grass Stakes, Arkansas Derby	Final Derby qualification points are up for grabs — this month decides who makes the Run for the Roses.
May	Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes	The Triple Crown gets underway; peak excitement and betting interest across the nation.
June	Belmont Stakes	The test of stamina — the longest of the Triple Crown races and often the decider for history.
July	Haskell Invitational (Monmouth Park)	A key mid-summer showdown for three-year-olds, often featuring Derby or Preakness stars.
August	Travers Stakes (Saratoga), Arlington Million	Iconic summer races that pit elite turf and dirt horses against each other; a true fans’ favourite month.
September	Pennsylvania Derby, Jockey Club Gold Cup	Top older horses and late-blooming three-year-olds build momentum toward the Breeders’ Cup.
October	Keeneland Fall Meet, Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup	Features high-quality juvenile and turf racing, as future stars emerge ahead of championship season.
November	Breeders’ Cup (Del Mar)	The grand finale — two days of world-class racing, deciding year-end titles and crowning champions.
December	Claiming Crown, Cigar Mile (Aqueduct)	The winter circuit begins with key races for claiming-level standouts and top milers alike.

🏇 What This Means for Bettors on MyWinners

Big Pools = Bigger Payouts: Signature events bring in casual money — and opportunity.
Track Form Trends: Use the calendar to see how horses develop through the season.
Simulcast Action: MyWinners streams all major races and offers early odds, replays, and multi-race wagers.

Set reminders or alerts for the biggest cards so you don’t miss overlay opportunities, late scratches, or weather-related surface changes.

💡 Did You Know? The Kentucky Derby has never missed a calendar year since 1875 — even through wars and pandemics — making it America’s longest continuously run sporting event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important horse race in the US betting calendar?

The Kentucky Derby is the biggest by handle and viewership. It kicks off the Triple Crown and offers deep pools for exotic bets.

Can I bet on every major US horse racing event with MyWinners?

Yes — MyWinners.com covers all Triple Crown races, the Breeders’ Cup, and major prep races, complete with live odds and streaming.

When is the best time of year to bet on horse racing in the US?

Spring and autumn offer the richest opportunities, with the Triple Crown (May–June) and Breeders’ Cup (November) anchoring the season.

Do betting strategies change throughout the racing calendar?

Yes — early in the year, 3YOs are developing form. By summer and fall, class and conditioning become key handicapping factors.

Where can I find a full 2025 horse racing schedule?

This article provides the highlights, but for a full day-by-day list with entries and betting options, visit the race schedule on MyWinners.com.