Throughout the long history of horse racing in the United States, California has produced an abundance of locally bred stars.
The Rivalry That Never Was: Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta
They are, without question, the two best fillies to race on dirt in this century. They most likely would both appear on a Top 10 list of North America’s all-time greatest fillies or mares. Their combined collection of wins includes such prestigious Grade 1 stakes as the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Preakness Stakes, Haskell Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Distaff, and Kentucky Oaks. They finished 1-2 in the balloting for 2009 Horse of the Years honors.
Beginner’s Guide to the 2026 Saratoga Summer Meet
Saratoga Springs, N.Y., has long been a summer playground for sports fans: the upstate New York town is home to Saratoga Race Course, one of the most storied racetracks in the world, and it’s been mecca for horse racing fans for hundreds of years.
Where to Watch/Listen: Horse Racing Coverage for America’s 250th Birthday Weekend
The upcoming holiday weekend in horse racing is highlighted by the official opening of Saratoga Race Course’s elite summer meet, which this year includes the July 4th Racing Festival usually held at Belmont Park (which will return to the new Belmont in 2027).
