Horse racing is a thrilling and exciting sport that has been around for centuries. It has been a popular form of entertainment for many people in the United States, and Colorado is no exception. So, does Colorado have a horse race track? The answer is yes!
History of Horse Racing in Colorado
Horse racing in Colorado dates back to the late 19th century. The Colorado Jockey Club was established in 1887, and the first thoroughbred race was held at the Denver Driving Park in 1887. The Denver Driving Park closed in 1906 due to the rise of automobile racing, but horse racing remained popular in the state.
In the early 1900s, several race tracks opened in and around Denver. These tracks included the Denver Race Course, the Mile High Race Course, and the Brighton Race Track. These tracks hosted a variety of horse races, including thoroughbred, quarter-horse, and harness racing.
Modern Horse Racing in Colorado
Today, there are five major horse race tracks in Colorado. These tracks include Arapahoe Park, Pikes Peak Race Track, Colorado National Raceway, Rocky Mountain Turf Club, and Fonner Park. Each of these tracks offers a variety of horse races, including thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing.
Arapahoe Park
Arapahoe Park is located in Aurora, Colorado and is the largest horse race track in the state. It was opened in 1982 and features both thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing. The track is home to the Mile High Derby, a major thoroughbred race that takes place during the track’s summer meet.
Pikes Peak Race Track
Pikes Peak Race Track is located in Colorado Springs and is the second-largest race track in the state. It was opened in 1984 and features both thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing. The track is home to the Colorado Classic, a major thoroughbred race that takes place during the track’s summer meet.
Colorado National Raceway
Colorado National Raceway is located in Dacono and is the third-largest race track in the state. It was opened in 1988 and features both thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing. The track is home to the Dacono Derby, a major thoroughbred race that takes place during the track’s summer meet.
Rocky Mountain Turf Club
The Rocky Mountain Turf Club is located in Grand Junction and is the fourth-largest race track in the state. It was opened in 1994 and features both thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing. The track is home to the Grand Junction Stakes, a major thoroughbred race that takes place during the track’s summer meet.
Fonner Park
Fonner Park is located in Grand Island, Nebraska and is the fifth-largest race track in the state. It was opened in 2002 and features both thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing. The track is home to the Grand Island Stakes, a major thoroughbred race that takes place during the track’s summer meet.
Other Horse Racing Venues in Colorado
In addition to the five major race tracks, there are several other horse racing venues in Colorado. These include the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, the Denver County Fair in Denver, and the Western Slope Horse Racing Park in Grand Junction. These venues host a variety of horse races throughout the year.
Thoroughbred Racing in Colorado
Thoroughbred racing is the most popular form of horse racing in Colorado. The five major race tracks in the state host a variety of thoroughbred races throughout the year. These races include the Mile High Derby at Arapahoe Park, the Colorado Classic at Pikes Peak Race Track, the Dacono Derby at Colorado National Raceway, the Grand Junction Stakes at Rocky Mountain Turf Club, and the Grand Island Stakes at Fonner Park.
Quarter-Horse Racing in Colorado
Quarter-horse racing is also popular in Colorado. The five major race tracks in the state host a variety of quarter-horse races throughout the year. These races include the Colorado Classic at Arapahoe Park, the Colorado Derby at Pikes Peak Race Track, the Mile High Derby at Colorado National Raceway, the Grand Junction Stakes at Rocky Mountain Turf Club, and the Grand Island Stakes at Fonner Park.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, Colorado does have horse race tracks. The state has five major race tracks, as well as several other horse racing venues. These tracks host a variety of horse races throughout the year, including thoroughbred and quarter-horse races. So, if you’re looking for a thrilling and exciting horse racing experience, Colorado is a great place to start.