Horse racing is a form of equestrian competition in which two or more horses are ridden by jockeys over a predetermined distance. It is one of the most popular spectator sports. There are several types of horse races, from the Triple Crown to the Belmont Handicap. However, in this article, I’ll cover the different types of races.
The Triple Crown
The Triple Crown horse race has a rich history. First run in 1930, the Triple Crown featured the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont. Over the years, the Triple Crown has changed in terms of track, distance, and order. The first Triple Crown was won by Gallant Fox in 1930. Other notable Triple Crown winners include Omaha, War Admiral, Whirlaway, and Count Fleet. In addition, there are several other Triple Crown winners, including the legendary Citation, who won all three races in a single season in 1948.
The Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes horse race is held on the first Saturday in June. Most schools and government offices are closed on Saturday, but businesses and attractions tend to remain open on this day. Public transportation will likely be limited. It’s a good idea to check the schedule before heading to the race track.
The Preakness Stakes
On Saturday, the 147th Preakness Stakes will take place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The race is one of the most anticipated horse races in the United States. It is held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes. However, it must not be run earlier than May 15 or later than May 21. The race was moved to early October this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Belmont Handicap
The Belmont Handicap is one of the most prestigious race events in thoroughbred horse racing. It is held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, just east of the New York City. This historic track opened its doors for racing on May 4, 1905.
The King’s Plates
The King’s Plate is Canada’s oldest Thoroughbred horse race. It was first run in 1860 and is the oldest continually run race in North America. The race is held at a distance of one plus fourteen miles and is open to a maximum of 17 three-year-old Thoroughbreds born in Canada.
Harness racing
Harness racing is a form of horse racing where horses pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. The sulky, also known as a spider, is occupied by a driver and is the primary vehicle for the horses. Harness racing has been around for several centuries and is a popular spectator sport.
Thoroughbred racing
Thoroughbred racing is a sport and industry that is governed by national bodies. There are two main types of races: flat racing and jump racing. In the UK, this type of racing is known as National Hunt racing, while in the US, it is called steeplechasing.