The Major US Horse Races

1. Kentucky Derby:

• Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky.
• History: First held in 1875, the Kentucky Derby is the oldest continuously held horse race in the United States. Known as the “Run for the Roses,” it is the first leg of the Triple Crown and is held annually on the first Saturday in May.

1. Preakness Stakes:

• Location: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland.
• History: Established in 1873, the Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown. It is held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and is known for its festive and social atmosphere.

1. Belmont Stakes:

• Location: Belmont Park, Elmont, New York.
• History: First run in 1867, the Belmont Stakes is the final leg of the Triple Crown. It is known for its challenging 1.5-mile distance, earning it the nickname “The Test of the Champion.”

1. Breeders’ Cup World Championships:

• Location: Various tracks across the United States.
• History: The Breeders’ Cup is a prestigious two-day event featuring multiple races in different categories. It was first held in 1984 and attracts top horses from around the world. The location of the event changes annually.

1. Travers Stakes:

• Location: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, New York.
• History: Established in 1864, the Travers Stakes is one of the oldest and most prestigious horse races in the United States. It is held annually in late August and is known as the “Midsummer Derby.”

1. Haskell Invitational Stakes:

• Location: Monmouth Park, Oceanport, New Jersey.
• History: The Haskell Invitational Stakes was first run in 1968 and is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-olds. It attracts some of the best horses in the country and is held in late July or early August.

1. Santa Anita Derby:

• Location: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California.
• History: The Santa Anita Derby is a prominent race for three-year-olds held annually at Santa Anita Park. It was first run in 1935 and serves as an important prep race for the Kentucky Derby.

1. Woodward Stakes:

• Location: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, New York (prior to 2021, it was held at Belmont Park).
• History: First run in 1954, the Woodward Stakes is a prestigious race for older horses. It is known for attracting top talent and is held in late summer or early fall.

1. Whitney Stakes:

• Location: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, New York.
• History: The Whitney Stakes is a historic race that has been run since 1928. It is a Grade I stakes race for older horses and is held in late July or early August.

1. Haskell Stakes:
   • Location: Monmouth Park, Oceanport, New Jersey.
   • History: The Haskell Stakes is a Grade I race for three-year-olds and is held annually at Monmouth Park. It was first run in 1968 and has become one of the premier races on the East Coast.

Please note that the specific dates