Thoroughbred Horse Racing has long been known as the “Sport of Kings.” Despite the acronym the sport has had an up-and-down history. At times horse racing has been portrayed as an activity associated and sometimes controlled by The Mob. At other times, there has been great fanfare and respect. Today, the latter seems to be the prevailing view, perhaps because there are many more controls available to prevent tampering with and fixing races.
America’s race tracks are also a hodge podge of quality, from dingy, rundown venues to some very classy and beautiful places. My post focuses on the top of the heap, tracks which are both well-kept and extremely attractive.
The best of the best, in my estimation, is Saratoga in August. The entire, lovely city of Saratoga Springs is the venue from the end of July until Labor Day as the best owners, trainers, jockeys, and horses make every summer memorable.
Welcome to Saratoga The allure of Saratoga is the party atmosphere, since most of the patrons picnic behind the grandstands, watching the races on hundreds of televisions, positioned throughout the area. Gary & Lee at Saratoga
Another fine race track is Gulfstream, in Hallandale, FL, between Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Gulfstream Park
Some of the best racing is held in Kentucky. The most famous horse race of all is the Kentucky Derby, the “Run for the Roses,” held at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.
Churchill Downs
Another beautiful track in Kentucky is Keeneland.
Keeneland Race Track
In California, the premier race track is Santa Anita, just west of Los Angeles.
Seabiscuit Statue
