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Racetrack Bucket List: Which Track to Visit First?

North American Thoroughbred racing has some pretty iconic tracks, and if you’re like me you’d like to visit them all. But how do you prioritize? Each of the tracks below is not only recognizable but comes with its own unique charm and energy. From Churchill Downs to Saratoga Race Course; get the scoop, learn the necessary details and start making your racetrack bucket list!

Arlington Park

The Carriage Horses of Santa Anita Park

Hugs (left) and Nora are two of the six horses Santa Anita Park keeps to transport racing officials around the racetrack. (Photos courtesy of Cynthia Holt uness noted)

A Trip to Old Friends Farm

I first became involved in racing through my work with off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs), making sure our equine athletes had a place to go after their days on the racetrack were over. I started my nonprofit, Racing for Home, with the hope that I could help OTTBs find their calling, if you will, and transition them into a new career and eventually to a loving, forever home. Six years ago, when I began this endeavor, Thoroughbred aftercare was not nearly as much in the news as it is now, and we have made great strides.

California Chrome and the Power to Stretch the Heart

Photo of California Chrome courtesy of Jeffrey Mallard

On Jan. 9, the 2015 Vox Populi Award ceremony will be held at Santa Anita. The resounding winner is American Pharoah, racing's newly crowned king. In 2014, the sport had rallied around California Chrome as the next likely Triple Crown winner following a 36-year-drought. Excitement ran rampant, and fans turned out in droves to watch a hero in the making. To our complete and utter euphoria, everything we had dreamed came true. There was a 12th Triple Crown winner, who also became a "Grand Slam" winner.

The Many Faces of Keeneland

Becca Templeton traveled from Iowa to the Breeders' Cup.

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