Horse racing is a sport enjoyed worldwide, so it is no surprise that there is a huge appetite to watch the best equine stars clash in Mexico.
The early traces of the sport in Mexico date back to the colonial era, but it gained traction following the establishment of the Mexican Jockey Club, which can be dated back to 1863.
To this day, racing is a popular social event on the calendar for many in Mexico, with many fans looking to soak in big race days with family and friends on a weekend. So, you don’t need to learn how to bet on the 2025 Kentucky Derby to engage in horse racing. You can do it in Mexico too.
But, what are some of the most notable race tracks in Mexico, and are there any unusual forms of racing within the nation that are worth consideration if you’re traveling to a day at the track in Mexico?
Charreria
One of the most notable differences between Mexico and the rest of the world is the fact that the Latin American country’s national sport revolves around horses. Charreria is one of the most historic sporting traditions within Mexico and has evolved from cattle herding traditions that date back to the 16th century.
Shows are prominent across the nation, and they are incredibly popular to see for international visitors. The first shows date back to the 20th century, but it didn’t gain its full emergence until the Mexican Revolution.
Since then, Charros have begun to congregate in cities across the nation, consolidating the sport as hugely popular among large associations and gaining tradition and popularity among those who live within the nation.
Charreria still has links to horse racing, as American Quarter Horses are deemed ideal for the sport. The Quarter Horses date back to the 17th century, while Aztec horses were bred specifically with Charreria in mind.
Both horses have traits that are deemed essential in Charreria, including quick and intricate movement, as well as being tailored to barrel racing and western riding events.
Hipodromo de las Americas
One of the first horse racing venues to become established in Mexico can be found in the capital, as Hipodromo de las Americas was opened to the public for the first time in March 1943.
Since then it has been a location used to host Quarter racing events, which range between seven furlongs and 1 ½ miles in distance. It is a hugely popular location for social events, with the clubhouse and grandstand being among the best areas to watch racing in Mexico City.
A capacity crowd of 20,000 fans can attend a meet at Hipodromo de las Americas, while the massive venue can also hold up to 1,700 horses. The standout race on the calendar at the venue is the Mexican Derby, which is typically the most attended race day on the schedule in the country.
The record attendance at the track was set in February 1981 when 43,371 fans attended the track, while the record for pari-mutuel handle was set on May 30, 1981 at $1,428,858.
Caliente Hipodromo
While Mexico City may host the most famous race of the season, it could be argued that the most historic venue for the sport in the nation comes in the form of Caliente Hipodromo.
Located in Tijuana, this track has welcomed fans to the track since December 1929. It has a hugely popular location for visitors, with the adjacent Agua Caliente Casino and Hotel being a hot spot for international visitors throughout the 1920s and 30s.
It still remains a hub of social activity to this day, with the largest branch of Casino Caliente located at the circuit, while a concert stadium was also erected in 2007. Within horse racing, Caliente Hipodromo holds special historical relevance. It was the site for the first starting gates, as well as ‘pick six’ wagering options.
History at Caliente Hipodromo
The track also hosted one of the world’s richest races for a short period, with Phar Lap and Seabiscuit both winning the Agua Caliente Handicap during their esteemed careers.
It also holds a historic relevance to the North American region overall, as Caliente Hipodromo was the first to offer the Pick 6 wagering option, which is now prominent across the United States. History has been made throughout the course’s history.
Most famously, in 1939, Anna Lee Aldred became the first U.S. woman to receive her jockey’s license after competing at Caliente Hipodromo. Legendary riders such as David Flores and Francisco Mena also competed in racing at the track.
Legendary American rider Eddie Arcaro also rode a winner at Caliente Hipodromo when he visited the circuit in 1932. However, unfortunately, it is no longer housing horse racing action as it ceased to host events in 1992. It was also one of 20 greyhound tracks in North America before that ended in July 2024.
