The United States has always been a nation that appreciated the pleasures of watching horse racing. It would be hard to think of a single state in the country that does not have its own race tracks and events.
A current wave of sports betting legalization that is sweeping the US will almost certainly see interest in horse racing increase further. Gambling on the horses is part of the racing experience in most other parts of the world, but that has not been the case until recently across much of the US.
At the moment, South Carolina is holding out against legal sports gambling. That may soon change, influenced by developments in North Carolina, but not yet.
This does not mean that horse racing cannot be enjoyed by residents of Charleston though. The city and the wider state are home to events where people can watch exciting race action unfold.
The Betting Situation
All types of gambling remain illegal in Charleston and the rest of South Carolina as of now. That includes both land-based and online sports betting.
Many feel that it is a situation that cannot continue for much longer though. Especially with neighbor North Carolina now the latest state to be on the brink of relaxing its gambling laws.
The fact is that horse racing betting is tremendously popular all over the world and something important is lost to fans of the sport if they cannot wager on the races. It adds crucial extra excitement to the proceedings.
Placing good bets on races is no different to doing so for other kinds of sports. It is a matter of studying the form of the jockeys and horses as well as estimating where the best value lies.
The interest in the sport that already exists across South Carolina makes the pull towards legalization irresistible. Until it happens, Charleston racing fans can still enjoy watching at venues and events like those listed below though.
The Aiken Triple Crown
This is a three-pronged race event that is probably the high point of the state’s racing calendar. The first of the three annual events is the Aiken Trials, which is a series of flat track horse races that take place on the Aiken Training Track during March.
It is where people can witness horses with serious racing potential take on their first competitive events. It has hosted future star runners such as 1990 Preakness Stakes winner Summer Squall.
The second Triple Crown event is the Aiken Spring Steeplechase. This is definitely among the hottest horse racing events that the state has to offer and is made up of no less than six different jump races.
It was first held back at the start of the 1930s and it is an annual party among attendees as well as a chance to watch some top class racing. More than 30,000 go to see it every year.
The last of the Aiken Triple Crown events is Pacers and Polo. This is held at Powderhouse Polo Field, Aiken and includes opening and awards ceremonies as well as six brief races. Like the other two Aiken events, people dress up in their absolute finest to attend and celebrate the day.
The Steeplechase of Charleston
This is the single biggest horse racing event in Charleston itself. The Steeplechase of Charleston is a mix of steeplechase and flat track racing and provides an all-round experience, complete with outdoor markets, live music and food trucks.
There are five horse races in total during the day as well as two corgi races. The venue is the Stono Ferry Racetrack, Charleston and it is a must visit for anyone keen on the sport.
The Carolina Cup
This steeplechase event holds the current US racing record for attendance numbers, with 71,000. It has taken place every spring since 1932 and is held at Springdale Racecourse, Camden.
In addition to being a horse race, it is also a fundraiser for the Kershaw County Medical Center, making it an event that is in a very good cause indeed.
The Colonial Cup
This fall event is a cousin to the Carolina Cup, but perhaps a bit better suited to families. Alongside the horse racing there are rides available on mule wagons, terrier dog racing and a carousel.
Like the Carolina Cup, it takes place at Springdale Racecourse. Although not quite as well known as the others, it is another fine racing event that can be enjoyed each year in South Carolina.
There is no reason for anyone who has an interest in horse racing to miss out during a stay in South Carolina. They may not be able to bet at the moment, but that is something that seems like it will change before much longer.
