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Okay, Pennsylvania might not have high-class horse racing venues, but this doesn’t mean that there is no horse racing action. Yes, you cannot expect Churchill Downs, but there is still a lot of excitement that comes from smaller races, right?
I speak from experience, and for me, any horse racing event would do. As long as I have my bet placed, and I am seated on the grandstand with a good view of the racetrack.
So, if you find yourself in Pennsylvania, you are in for a treat. There are plenty of smaller horse racing tracks full of action. This is probably a place with the most horse racing tracks, at least in the Eastern U.S.
But which ones should be on your bucket list? Well, we have some strong contenders, and some of them even organize Grade 1 races.
If you are making a plan for a travel trip to Pennsylvania, you would want to read through the article before you make your reservation. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss some of the days when there is plenty of horse racing action.
Where should we start? Well, Parx Racing just outside of Philadelphia is the most prestigious and high-end racecourse here.
So, if I were you, I’d always choose the best place to visit first. This is the crown jewel of Pennsylvania’s horse racing scene. Bear in mind that we are talking about a racetrack that also shares quite a long history. It first opened its doors in 1974, and since then it has been home to many exciting races.
They might not be as big as the Breeders’ Cup, but you still have the Pennsylvania Derby, which has an impressive $1 million prize purse. Not too shabby, right?
There are plenty of Grade 1 races throughout the year, and if for some reason horse racing turns boring, you can always go to the casino for another adrenaline burst. Placing bets is also quite easy, and maybe you will sharpen your skills, and get some insider knowledge to participate in a handicapper tournament.
If you want to read more about the TwinSpires handicapper tournaments, click the link below:
https://www.twinspires.com/tournaments/
The most impressive thing about Parx Racing is the huge grandstand, where every seat will give you a good view of the action.
If you’re looking for consistency, Penn National Race Course in Grantville is your go-to spot. Racing 52 weeks a year, this track offers year-round excitement with a schedule packed full of thoroughbred racing. It’s located just 17 miles east of Harrisburg, making it easily accessible.
Which race to look out for? Well, I’d see the Penn Mile. It may be a Grade 2 turf race, but it is still fun to watch. But if you miss the action, don’t worry! The track offers live racing every single week, which is rare to find.
Presque Isle Downs is relatively new to the scene, opening its doors in 2007, but it’s quickly become a fan favorite. Situated in the northern part of the state, near Lake Erie, this track is known for its synthetic racing surface, which is a hit with both trainers and horses.
Why visit?
Harness racing fans, this one’s for you. The Meadows, located near Pittsburgh, specializes in Standardbred racing (think harness, not thoroughbred). It’s one of the top tracks in the country for this type of racing.
Why visit?
Mohegan Sun Pocono is a bit of a two-for-one deal. Not only do you get a top-notch harness racing track, but it’s also paired with one of Pennsylvania’s premier casinos. If you love both horse racing and casino games, this is your dream destination.
Why visit?
Honorable Mentions
Whether you’re at the track or one of the off-track betting (OTB) locations, you’ll have plenty of options. Pennsylvania allows for pari-mutuel betting, the most common form in horse racing, where the odds are determined by the betting pool. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try exotic bets like the Exacta, Trifecta, or even the Superfecta.
Pro Tip: Before you bet, check out the daily racing form. It might just make the difference between a winning ticket and a torn-up one.
