With over two centuries of history, horse racing is part of the sporting soul of our country. It is a sport that combines adrenaline, elegance, and a unique connection between humans and animals, which has kept it relevant over the years.
However, horse racing today is changing. Growing public and media attention has led to increased scrutiny of issues such as safety, ethics, and the future of an industry that generates billions of dollars annually.
The undiminished charm of turf
Few things generate as much excitement as a sport with a close finish on the track. Events such as the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes not only define the turf season but also bring together millions of spectators both domestically and internationally.
This year, the horse Sovereignty was crowned champion in both the Derby and the Belmont, with Junior Alvarado as jockey and William I. Mott as trainer. The Derby had more than 17 million viewers between NBC and Peacock, with a peak of 21.8 million, the highest since 1989.
The Belmont Stakes, meanwhile, was held in Saratoga due to renovations at Belmont Park, which introduced a new dynamic to the competition, a change that will continue there until 2026.
At the 2025 Preakness Stakes, recently held at Pimlico, the winner was Journalism.
A sport under scrutiny
Along with its prestige, the industry is the subject of debate over the care and welfare of horses, due to the number of deaths from injuries on the tracks. This number has not gone unnoticed by the public or animal rights advocates, who question the limits of the spectacle and call for structural reforms.
Commitment to the welfare and evolution of the sport
The industry has not ignored these questions. In recent years, organizations such as the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) have implemented new safety protocols, stricter veterinary controls, and track improvements to reduce the risk of injury and ensure safer racing conditions for both horses and jockeys.
At the same time, significant investments are being made to modernize key racing venues. For example, there is Belmont Park, which is currently being revamped to offer more eco-friendly facilities and a better experience for fans. The track is expected to reopen in 2026.
Technology, data, and betting in the new digital age
Horse racing has also had to adapt to the digital age. Today, many specialized websites allow users to follow races live, check statistics in real time, and place bets from anywhere in the country, which attracts new generations.
In turn, trainers and breeders are also turning to technology to optimize horse performance, from sensors to analyze stride to AI tools to prevent injuries.
More than a sport: a social and cultural experience
Going to a race is not just about seeing who crosses the finish line first. Major horse racing events are unmissable experiences, where you can find everything from elegant attire and local cuisine to live music and family activities that make a trip to the racetrack a complete social experience.
Churchill Downs, Saratoga Race Course, and Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington are historic destinations that attract visitors from across the country and abroad, even on non-race days, when they offer tours, interactive exhibits, stable visits, and direct contact with the horses.
Expanding equestrian tourism
States such as Kentucky, New York, and California have successfully integrated horse racing into their tourism offerings. Bourbon trails intersect with thoroughbred horse farms, and visitors can explore the breeding process and watch a live race. This approach, which combines sports and culture, is booming, especially among families and international travelers.
Conclusion
In summary, horse racing today is an evolving sport that, with its magnetism intact, has managed to adapt to the values and expectations of the present.
Whether from the stands of a racetrack, on a guided tour of a breeding farm, or through a screen with real-time analysis, horse racing remains an essential part of our culture and an experience worth living.                                           Â