Horse Races in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is steeped in horse racing history, with tracks throughout the state offering races all during the year. The Philadelphia region has become a hot-bed for horse racing over the past couple of decades, especially with the development of casinos in Philadelphia and Bensalem. Some of the most popular horse racing events in the state are the Penn Mile, the Smarty Jones Stakes and the Presque Isle Downs Mile. 

Pennsylvania's Biggest Horse Races 

Ready to bet on this year's horse races in Pennsylvania? Check out our guide of the hottest horse races the state has to offer before placing your bets online.

Penn Mile

The Penn Mile is a brand new race, having been inaugurated in 2013, and offers a generous purse of $500,000. This is the largest purse offered at Penn National Race Course. 

Pennsylvania Derby

The Pennsylvania Derby is run at the Parx Racing and Casino facility. It is for three-year-olds and it brings a purse of $1 million. It is run over 9 furlongs on a dirt track. 

Cotillion Stakes

The Cotillion Stakes is another popular race at the Parx Racing and Casino located in Bensalem. This is an 1 1/16 miles race for three-year-old fillies that awards a $1 million purse. 

Presque Isle Downs Mile

The Presque Isle Downs Mile is held at Presque Isle Downs and Casino. It offers a purse of $250,000 and is open to three-year-olds and up.