regional racing

Lexington may be the Horse Capital of the World, but horse racing stretches far beyond Kentucky. There are racetracks and breeding farms scattered coast to coast. Locals in these areas get to enjoy horse racing in their own home state and the economy thrives because of it. Learn more about regional horse racing, its economic impact, and the benefits it provides breeders and owners in this section.

why is regional racing important?

Horses were an important part of the history of the United States. They were our main mode of transportation, essential workers on our farms and in cities, and crucial members of our military. As the world moved toward modernity, our need for horses slowly began to fade. Cars replaced them on the streets, machinery replaced them on farms, and farmland was replaced with suburbs and cities. Today, horses are mostly removed from the average person's everyday life.

Regional horse racing is one of the best ways for the public to reconnect with this beautiful and important piece of our history. Racing allows people all over the country - not just in Kentucky - to get up close and personal with horses all while bringing immense economic and social value to every state it inhabits. The industry generates billions of dollars and creates thousands of jobs while adding a family-friendly entertainment option to the area.

Horse racing outside of Kentucky gives horses, jockeys, trainers, owners, and breeders outside of the big ranks a place to showcase their talent. Not every horse can win a Grade 1. Not every jockey can ride at Keeneland. Not every trainer can have stalls at Churchill Downs. Not every breeder can afford a $100,000 stud fee. Regional tracks and breeding industries give everyone the opportunity to put food on the table.

Many great horses were bred and raised outside of Kentucky. Secretariat was a Virginia-bred. Hall of Famer Hillsdale was bred in Indiana. Harlan's Holiday, a fantastic racehorse and the sire of one of the greatest studs of this era, Into Mischief, was bred in Ohio. Triple Crown winner Assault was bred in Texas. Two-time Breeders' Cup Classic winner Tiznow was bred in California. Turf sensation The Pizza Man was bred in Illinois. Native Dancer, an iconic racehorse and sire, known especially as the damsire of Northern Dancer, was bred in Maryland. Regret, the first filly to win the Kentucky Derby, was bred in New Jersey. Florida, the second biggest state for racing, has produced horses like Triple Crown winner Affirmed. The list goes on and on...

Take the time to visit your local track and experience the thrill and essentiality of regional racing. You may just find yourself falling in love with all it has to offer.

Indiana

Indiana's breeding and racing industry had a total economic footprint of nearly $2 billion in 2021. The industry employs about 2,000 people and stimulates 5,000 additional jobs. Between 2007 and 2020 there has been a 60% increase in horses owned, trained, and bred in Indiana, a 25% increase in property owned, and a 48% increase in investment in equipment. (Purdue)

Texas

As one of the most horse-populous states in the country, it's no surprise that horse racing in Texas led to a $1.4 billion economic output and contributed $945 million to the Texas GDP according to a 2015 study. The racing industry supported 11,450 jobs and $689 in labor income that same year. (Texas A&M)

Minnesota

Minnesota's equine industry has a total economic impact of $1 billion. The horse racing industry specifically contributes 2,044 jobs and adds a $123 million value to the economy. There are about 680,000 households with horse enthusiasts in the state. (UMN)

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania horse racing contributes $1.6 billion in annual economic activity and a $4 billion total economic impact. The industry provides around 16,000 to 23,000 jobs a year through both direct and indirect sources. Trainers and owners in this state reinvested 89%, or $210 million, of monies paid from the Race Horse Development Fund back into their local economies. (PAHBPA)

Ohio

Ohio's horse racing industry generated an estimated economic impact of $2.1 billion in 2018. 21,000 people were employed directly by the industry and made $900 million in income. (Spectrum News)

Arkansas

A 2014 study found that Arkansas' horse racing industry had an annual economic impact of $895.5 million - a number that has almost certainly increased in the last eight years. Oaklawn Racing & Casino Resort helped to significantly increase tourism to Hot Springs; they welcomed 2.5 million of the nearly 8 million visitors to the area in 2018. (AMP)

Virginia

Virginia's horse racing industry had an overall economic impact of $542.1 million in 2019. The total state tax revenue is estimated at $26.5 million. The racing industry supports more than 5,000 jobs. (Chmura)

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma horse racing industry has a direct economic impact of $482 million. (OSU)

California

The horse racing industry contributes around $2.47 billion to California's economy annually. $1.7 billion in tourism spending is generated by horse racing participants and spectators. 17,798 workers are supported by the racing industry here. (CHC)

Florida

Known as another Horse Capital of the World, the Thoroughbred industry in Florida has a $1.5 billion economic impact with a total impact exceeding $2.7 billion. The industry creates more than 23,000 jobs. (Showcase Ocala)

New York

A 2012 study shows that the horse racing industry has a direct economic impact of $965 million and a total economic impact of $2.12 billion in New York. It also supports 17,400 jobs. (NYT Breeders)

Maryland

A 2018 economic impact study found that Maryland's horse racing industry contributed $1.3 billion to the economy. It supports more than 21,000 jobs. (Maryland TB)