Horse Racing Still an American Favorite

Posted by Drf Racing
1
Jun 8, 2016
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Horse racing has always been one of the most attended sporting events in America, and a popular pastime for generations of fans. Whether going to place a wager or just for the excitement of the races, millions of people every year flock to racetracks all over the country and the world to attend live horse racing. There are dozens of thoroughbred racetracks and standardized harness racetracks in the United States alone, with hundreds worldwide. As other industries have grown up around horse racing, both at live tracks and on the Internet, the overall horse racing experience has evolved while still keeping the time-honored traditions of the sport intact.

Types of Horse Racing


The two most common types of horse racing are thoroughbred racing and standardized harness racing. Thoroughbred horses are taller, sleeker and faster than standardized and are traditionally used for racing with a jockey in a saddle. In thoroughbred races the horses are running at full speed, and these racetracks are more common. Standardized horses are heavier, stronger and are more suited for pulling weight. In standardized harness racing, the horse pulls a human “driver” in a two-wheeled cart. Harness racehorses are not permitted to run at full gallop, and must maintain a trot throughout the race. Harness racetracks, such as Yonkers Raceway in New York, have special tracks with a banked course to accommodate the carts. Where thoroughbred races begin from a stationary starting gate, harness races begin with the horses already trotting behind a moving gate pulled by a vehicle.

Seeing it In-Person

States with legal on-site parimutuel gambling have thoroughbred or standardized harness racetracks (some states have both) where spectators can attend live horse racing. The activities at these establishments are not usually limited, however, to the races on the premises. Most racetracks carry live simulcasts and permit wagering on races from other tracks. Some tracks, depending on their state laws, even have full casinos and will often feature live music or other festivals. Major racing events can draw tens of thousands of attendees.

On-line Wagering and Resources


The proliferation of high-speed Internet has made wagering on and watching horse races on-line a multi-million dollar industry. Fans can now place bets and watch their races live right from their computer or mobile device (in states where on-line horse betting is permitted). There are also a number of on-line resources for the serious or professional gambler. Information sites give bettors access to race video archives, horse past performances, up-to-date statistics,  horse pedigrees and analysis from professional handicappers. Companies that produce the racing papers that patrons purchase at the live tracks typically have electronic versions available on their websites as well.

The Sport of Kings

The tradition of horse racing in America is hundreds of years old, with a world history dating back to the ancient Greeks and the Middle East. Racing continues to be enjoyed by serious handicappers, families and casual spectators alike. Although the modern age has provided new ways to enjoy the sport, it has remained the same exciting spectacle for Milena. In-person, on television or on-line, the drama of live horse racing should continue to thrill fans for decades to come.


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