How to Learn About Horse Racing

Most publicized racing is in the U.S. is with American Thoroughbreds. Quarter Horses are faster than Thoroughbreds but race very short distances of ¼ mile or less. Thoroughbred racing varies from 5 furlongs to 1.5 miles. The easiest way to learn about horse racing is to follow the top competitions in the U.S. that begin in May. Read on to learn how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Follow contenders for the Triple Crown title, which is awarded to a horse that wins the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes in a single year. All these races are restricted to 3-year-old horses.
2. Familiarize yourself with the Kentucky Derby, known in the U.S. as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." This race is held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first jewel towards the Triple Crown title.
3. Catch the Preakness Stakes held annually in May at Pimlico race track in Baltimore, Maryland. The famed race in which Seabiscuit beat Triple Crown winner War Admiral was at Pimlico in 1938.
4. Watch the Belmont Stakes which is held each year in June. This final race in the Triple Crown takes place at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Horses race one lap around the 1.5 mile course, making it the longest race in the quest for the Triple Crown.
5. Finish the year with the Breeder's Cup World Championships. This race takes place at different race tracks each year. Seven horses secure a spot by points earned in qualifying races, and a panel selects the horses for the remaining seven spots.