There are few more popular sporting events on the international calendar than those that are staged on the horse racing track. The historic importance of races such as the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and the Breeders’ Cup attract international visitors from far and wide to see the best that the sport has to offer in-person.
Therefore, the Grade One events on the racing schedule rank among the most popular at TwinSpires.com, with thousands of newcomers looking to learn more about the popular betting markets and factors to consider.
The global appeal of racing also ensures that statement events in the diary attract international visitors, with many using the opportunity to travel to watch racing to test out local delicacies.
But, what are some of the classic items that are common at the most famous races in the United States?
Kentucky Derby
The most famous race staged annually in North America come son the first Saturday in May, as the Kentucky Derby kicks off the Triple Crown. Staged at Churchill Downs, the race sees the eyes of the world on Louisville, with the location seeing it as a perfect opportunity to celebrate traditional southern Appalachian and Kentucky heritage.
One of the most famous items available during the Kentucky Derby festivities is the Mint Julep, which is the official drink of the event. This beverage is a refreshing blend of Kentucky Bourbon, which also consists of crushed mind and syrup. It has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938.
As well as having a drink almost as famous as the race itself, visitors to Churchill Downs can enjoy a range of local dishes. The Hot Brown was made famous at Louisville’s Brown Hotel in 1926, and featured bacon, turkey and mornay sauce.
Other traditional Southern dishes include a Southern Grazing and a Burgoo. The latter is a slow-cooked stew, which is regularly served at big events.
Preakness Stakes
The Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown is usually staged two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, with the action being staged in Maryland. Pimlico typically hosts the race, but it was instead held at Laurel Park in 2026 when Napoleon Solo won the event.
The Preakness looks to celebrate everything about the local area, leaning heavily into the Chesapeake Bay traditions. Therefore, it is somewhat of a food paradise for those that love seafood. Like the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness has a signature drink on offer for visitors. The Black-Eyed Susan is named after the state flower of Maryland, and consists of a fruity mix, including orange juice, peach schnapps and sour mix along with vodka and bourbon.
One of the most popular dishes during the Preakness Stakes festivities is the Maryland Crab Cakes. These are a must for any Preakness party, and they are traditionally seasoned with Old Bay spice to create a local touch. Oysters are also served raw with cocktail sauce and horse radish in Maryland.
If you have a sweeter tooth, then the Smith Island Cake is a must try. This delicacy is the state dessert of Maryland and it consists of thin layers of yellow cake with chocolate icing. Burger Cookies are also extremely popular. These are simply a shortbread that is topped with a thick layer of fudge.
Belmont Stakes
The Triple Crown series comes to an end with the Belmont Stakes, with all racing fans dreaming of seeing a winner crowed as champion. However, no horse has completed the Triple Crown since Justify in 2018. Still, the Belmont Stakes is still traditionally one of the most-watched horse racing events on the calendar, with a high-quality field typically being involved.
The 2027 edition is set to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, as it will be the first staged at the newly-refurbished Belmont Park. Based in the melting pot of New York, there is a range of culinary options available when attending the Belmont Stakes. Beginning with the traditional signature cocktail, the Belmont Jewel.
This drink consists of Woodford Reserve bourbon and a mix of pomegranate juice and lemonade. Unlike the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, the food options at the Belmont Stakes are more traditional to attending sporting events in North America. This includes popular street food options such as salted pretzels with Italian sausage and peppers, as well as common sporting dishes such as hot dogs and cheeseburgers.
However, there are also high-end dining options available when attending the Belmont Stakes, with upscale menus featuring pastrami on rye and bagels with lox and salad. No trip to the Big Apple is ever complete without a dessert to finish off the dining experience. Therefore a New York-style cheesecake is a must after racing has concluded at the Belmont Stakes.
