Discover the Excitement of Horse Racing

Horse racing has thrilled spectators for more than 2,500 years and was a favorite competition in the Greek Olympics of 648 BC. Today, the sport continues to excite fans from around the world and generates billions of dollars in bets each year. It's especially popular in the United States where many forms of gambling are illegal.

With hundreds of race tracks in more than 60 countries, dozens of events take place each day, but the US Triple Crown typically attracts the most attention. A series of 3 separate contests, the Triple Crown races began in the late 1800s and are only open to three-year-old thoroughbreds. A winner hasn't been crowned in over 35 years, making the annual competition even more exciting. The fun begins with the renowned Kentucky Derby, which is usually held on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The 1.25 mile bout lasts a mere 2 minutes, but that doesn't stop fans from wagering more than $100 million on the event each year.

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular equine events in North America and the competition is quite fierce. Most horses have at least a year of racing experience before competing in the Derby. In fact, every winner since 1882 competed professionally before the age of 3. Two weeks after the Derby, eligible thoroughbreds may compete in the second leg of the Triple Crown, called the Preakness Stakes. This run is 1/16 of a mile shorter than the Kentucky Derby and takes place at the Pimlico track in Baltimore. The final segment, the Belmont Stakes, is held 3 weeks later at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY. This is the oldest and longest Triple Crown competition, beginning in 1867 and covering a distance of 1.5 miles.

Near the end of the year, horse racing fans turn their eyes to the Breeders' Cup Championships. Qualified thoroughbreds may enter any of the 14 different Breeders' Cup competitions, including the Juvenile Sprint, the Filly and Mare Sprint, and the Dirt Mile. There are events for both male and female thoroughbreds of all ages. When the championship began in 1984, it was a one-day event consisting of 8 races. In 2007, the Breeders' Cup became a 2-day function and quickly expanded to its current lineup with 14 separate competitions. The annual championship attracts participants and spectators from around the world.

Not everyone has the chance to attend the Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup events, but anyone can share in the excitement of betting on the champions. Online sportsbooks accept wagers on a variety of sporting events around the world, from American football and boxing to soccer and golf. Gambling online is a safe and convenient way to get in on all types of sports betting action without even leaving home. Fans can wager on horse races in Dubai, Ireland, and the United States simultaneously and it is perfectly legal, even for US residents.

Whether you're a big spender or prefer to keep the stakes low, you can enjoy the excitement of horse racing 24 hours a day when you place online wagers.