The horse racing season typically varies depending on the location and jurisdiction. In the Northern Hemisphere, it commonly begins in the spring or early summer. For instance, in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the flat racing season usually starts in March or April and continues until October or November. In North America, flat racing seasons generally commence in late winter or early spring and run through autumn. However, there are exceptions, such as in Dubai, where flat racing takes place during the winter months due to favorable weather conditions.
The “Road to the Kentucky Derby”
The Road to the Kentucky Derby is the calendar of races that the top three-year-old thoroughbred horses compete in to earn points and qualify for the Kentucky Derby. The Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown, and it is one of the most prestigious races in the world. The Road to the Kentucky Derby starts in September of the year before the Derby and ends in May of the Derby year.
The points system for the Road to the Kentucky Derby is based on a horse’s performance in designated races. The races are divided into four tiers, with the most important races being in the top tier. The top four finishers in each race are awarded points, with the winner receiving the most points. The points are then used to determine the top 20 horses in the standings, who are eligible to run in the Kentucky Derby.
Prepping for the Derby
- September: The Road to the Kentucky Derby begins with the first of the prep races, the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs.
- October: The Breeders’ Futurity Stakes at Keeneland Racecourse is one of the most important prep races.
- November-December: The Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs is the final prep race of the year.
Early Qualifiers
- January-February: The Road to the Kentucky Derby resumes with the Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course.
- March: The Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course and the Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs are two important early qualifiers.
Top Qualifiers
- April: The Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland Racecourse and the Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack are two of the most important races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
- May: The Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs.
| Race | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Iroquois Stakes | Churchill Downs | September |
| Breeders’ Futurity Stakes | Keeneland Racecourse | October |
| Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes | Churchill Downs | November-December |
| Lecomte Stakes | Fair Grounds Race Course | January-February |
| Risen Star Stakes | Fair Grounds Race Course | March |
| Tampa Bay Derby | Tampa Bay Downs | March |
| Blue Grass Stakes | Keeneland Racecourse | April |
| Wood Memorial Stakes | Aqueduct Racetrack | April |
| Kentucky Derby | Churchill Downs | May |
The First Leg of the Triple Crown
The horse racing season is a thrilling time of year, filled with exciting races and prestigious events. One of the most highly anticipated events of the season is the Triple Crown, a series of three races that challenge the limits of some of the world’s finest Thoroughbred racehorses. The first leg of the Triple Crown is the Kentucky Derby, held every year on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
- The Kentucky Derby is a 1 1/4-mile race for three-year-old horses and is known as the “Run for the Roses” due to the garland of roses draped over the winner’s head.
- The race is known for its competitive field and electric atmosphere, attracting hundreds of thousands of racing fans each year.
- The Kentucky Derby is not only a test of speed and endurance but also a showcase for the breeding and training skills of the Thoroughbred industry.
| Year | Horse | Jockey |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | TBA | TBA |
| 2022 | Rich Strike | Sonny Leon |
| 2021 | Mandaloun | Florent Geroux |
| 2020 | Authentic | John Velazquez |
| 2019 | Country House | Flavien Prat |
| 2018 | Justify | Mike Smith |
| 2017 | Always Dreaming | John Velazquez |
| 2016 | Nyquist | Mario Gutierrez |
| 2015 | American Pharoah | Victor Espinoza |
| 2014 | California Chrome | Victor Espinoza |
| 2013 | Orb | John Velazquez |
| 2012 | I’ll Have Another | Mario Gutierrez |
| 2011 | Animal Kingdom | John Velazquez |
| 2010 | Super Saver | Calvin Borel |
When Does the Horse Racing Season Start
Horse racing is a popular sport enjoyed by people all over the world. The horse racing season traditionally starts in the spring and ends in the fall, but there are tracks that offer racing year-round. The start of the season is marked by the running of the first major stakes race, which is usually the Kentucky Derby.
The Start of Stakes Season
The stakes season is the period of time when the most important and prestigious races are run. These races offer large purses and attract the best horses in the world. The stakes season usually begins in March or April and ends in November or December.
some stakes races include:
- Kentucky Derby
- Preakness Stakes
- Belmont Stakes
- Breeders’ Cup
The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in the world. It is run on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Derby is a 1 1/4 mile race for 3-year-old colts and fillies. The winner of the Derby is awarded the prestigious Kentucky Derby trophy and a share of the purse, which is usually over $2 million.
The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown. It is run on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The Preakness is a 1 3/16 mile race for 3-year-old colts and fillies. The winner of the Preakness is awarded the Woodlawn Vase and a share of the purse, which is usually over $1 million.
The Belmont Stakes is the third leg of the Triple Crown. It is run on the first Saturday in June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The Belmont is a 1 1/2 mile race for 3-year-old colts and fillies. The winner of the Belmont is awarded the Belmont Trophy and a share of the purse, which is usually over $1 million.
The Breeders’ Cup is a two-day event that features 14 races for horses of all ages. It is run on the first weekend in November at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Breeders’ Cup is the richest day in racing, with over $30 million in purses. The winner of each Breeders’ Cup race is awarded a trophy and a share of the purse.
Opening Day at Prestigious Tracks
The horse racing season kicks off with a flurry of excitement at some of the most prestigious tracks in the country. Here are the opening days for some of these tracks:
| Track | Location | Opening Day |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Anita Park | Arcadia, California | December 26, 2022 |
| Gulfstream Park | Hallandale Beach, Florida | December 3, 2022 |
| Aqueduct Racetrack | Ozone Park, New York | December 1, 2022 |
| Keeneland Race Course | Lexington, Kentucky | April 7, 2023 |
| Churchill Downs | Louisville, Kentucky | May 5, 2023 |
| Del Mar Thoroughbred Club | Del Mar, California | July 19, 2023 |
| Saratoga Race Course | Saratoga Springs, New York | July 14, 2023 |
These tracks offer a variety of races, from sprint races to distance races, and from maiden races to stakes races. Whether you’re a seasoned horse racing fan or just starting out, attending opening day at one of these tracks is a great way to experience the excitement of the sport.
Well, there you have it, folks! Now you know when the horse racing season starts each year. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back with us later for more updates and insights into the exciting world of horse racing. In the meantime, polish your binoculars and get ready for some thrilling races!