Horse racing is incredibly popular across the world, and that is none more so the case than in the United States.

With huge race days on the calendar such as the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup, the sport has engrossed millions across the U.S. throughout its history. The sport continues to enjoy high popularity levels in this modern day, with action on track taking place across the nation.

Florida is an incredibly popular state in terms of horse racing, and there are a number of places within Orlando that boasts live action throughout the year. But, where are the best locations within the city to watch the sport?

Sanford Orlando Kennel Club

Unfortunately, there are few locations within Orlando to watch equines on track, meaning that one of the most historic venues to watch racing action comes in the form of the Sanford Orlando Kennel Club.

The location has been used to host championship greyhound racing since 1935, and it remains as popular to this day. It can be found in the scenic location of the Seminole County, located in the heart of Florida.

Greyhound action is staged throughout the year, but it is also an incredibly popular spot to watch live simulcasts of thoroughbred and harness racing from around the world.

A full range of on-track betting options are available to visitors, meaning it is a one-stop shop for all things horse racing, despite having no thoroughbred action on course at the Kennel Club.

Gulfstream Park

Perhaps the most famous location for watching horse racing action in the state of Florida comes in the form of Gulfstream Park. The track was first opened in 1939, before later reopening with a larger program in 1944.

Racing at Gulfstream takes place on all major surfaces, with turf, tapata, and dirt layouts in action throughout the season. Gulfstream is located in Hallandale Beach, and it is considered to be one of the most important venues for racing in North America. Unlike many other major tracks, it is open 365 days a year, and there are three major meets staged on the calendar, which you can wage on TwinSpires.

The Royal Palm and Flamingo Festival run between April-September, and October-November, respectively. However, the most important races are staged during the Championship Meet between December and March.

The standout Grade One held at the track is staged annually in January, as the G1 Pegasus World Cup has been one by legendary runners since its introduction in 2017. Among the notable winners include Arrogate, Gun Runner, and Knicks Go.

Gulfstream Park West

One of the most historic venues in Florida to watch horse racing action comes in the form of Gulfstream Park West, which was previously known as Calder Race Course. It is located in Miami Gardens, and is directly next to the home stadium of NFL team Miami Dolphins.

It was first opened in the mid 1960s, with racing at the location staged for the first time in May 1971. Calder Race Course replaced Tropical Park in 1972, taking all the big championship races in the region.

The track would experience huge success throughout the 1990s, as simulcasts of racing from around the world was introduced, enabling visitors to bet on the action from across North America. Churchill Downs Inc purchased the race course in 1999, with one of the biggest changes seeing the introduction of the Summit of Speed, which has helped produce countless Breeders’ Cup Champions.

This event also contributed to one of the biggest betting days in Calder history, with $10.8 million wagered on track in 2004. However, the name of the track would change once again in 2020 following The Stronach Group’s takeover, renaming Calder as Gulfstream Park West.

Tampa Bay Downs

Another scenic location for horse racing action in the state comes in the form of Tampa Bay Downs. This track is located in Hillsborough County, and has welcomed fans to watch equine stars on track since 1926, when it was previously known as Tampa Downs.

It has been renamed on a number of other occasions, with former names also including Sunshine park and Florida Downs and Turf Club. Racing has been incredibly popular with visitors throughout its history, with the turf track being regarded as one of the best in the United States.

Despite having no Grade One races on the calendar, there are seven graded affairs annually. The most prestigious of these are the G2 Hillsborough Stakes and the G2 Tampa Bay Derby.

The latter is regarded as one of the most important Kentucky Derby qualifying races, with horses aged three competing over 1 1/16 miles. It has been a notable stopping point for horses on the Triple Crown schedule, with recent winners including Tapit Trice, Domestic Product, and Tacitus. Street Sense was the most recent winner to land the Tampa Bay Downs-Kentucky Derby double in 2007.