Horse racing in the United States Horses and inspired their name. With the exception of the longer, distance contests, Quarter Horse races are run flat out, with the horses running at top speed for the duration. There is less jockeying for position, as turns are rare, and many races end with several contestants grouped together at the wire. The track surface is similar to that of Thoroughbred racing and usually consists of dirt. The traditional high point of US horse racing is the Kentucky Derby, held on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Together, the Derby; the Preakness Stakes, held two
Locust Grove Handicap the Locust Grove Handicap, Ipi Tombe became the first horse bred in Zimbabwe to ever win a race at Churchill Downs. Time record: (at the distance of miles) Locust Grove Handicap The Locust Grove Handicap is an American Grade III Thoroughbred horse race held annually at Churchill Downs in late June/early July at Louisville, Kentucky. Raced on turf at a distance of miles (9 furlongs), it is open to fillies and mares, three years of age and older. In 1982 the race was run at a distance of one mile then the following year changed to 1 1/16 and was