Horse racing is a sport where tradition meets the thrills. It is one of few sports that is carefully tied to history, and all of this makes every event more special. Watching a horse race isn’t only about the thrills of the race. It is also about fashion, betting, networking, and of course, food!
No horse racing event will be complete without carefully planned meals throughout the day. Even though the races last around 2 minutes, the actual event is way more than that. On top of that, some of them even have multiple races during the day, which means that the racecourse must offer some delicious food to keep spectators happy.
Now, even though some people choose to watch horse races from their homes and possibly start betting online with TwinSpires.com, watching live races on the track and enjoying their gourmet cuisine is another experience.
Since horse racing is described as a prestigious event, the food should also showcase class, apart from being tasty. So, get your tastebuds ready as we are going to embark on a gastronomy journey and find out more about food at horse racing events.
History of Food at Horse Racing Events
As you probably already know, horse racing is a sport that dates back thousands of years. But in the olden times, horse racing gatherings featured simple, yet hearty fare, providing comfort food to spectators who watched the race. At that time, having food at horse racing events was more about sharing food and keeping everyone full, rather than the sophistication of culinary delights.
But as we move to modern-day horse racing, in the 17th and 18th centuries, race meetings in Europe, especially in England, were becoming more sophisticated. At that time horse racing events had various treats like pies, roasted meats, and other types of food.
However, in the past couple of decades, we can spot a remarkable shift in the food offerings at horse racing events. Since horse racing is considered a prestigious event nowadays, the food must be on the same level.
That’s why many race organizers hire Michelin-starred chefs to create the menu for the derby day. Nowadays, there are different types of food based on tradition, history, and location. Basically, the spectators have much more diverse choices than back in the day.
Types of Food At Horse Racing Events
Classic Fare
Even though horse racing events are prestigious, nobody can resist a burger, right? On top of that, they are easy to eat while watching the race. That’s why even the most prestigious events nowadays offer pies pastries, burgers, and even hot dogs.
Snacks for When You’re on the Go
You could opt to seek snacks rather than settle down for a full meal if you want to concentrate on the races and watch any changes in the newest odds. Sandwiches and burgers are among the most handy racetrack foods, as they allow you to eat without missing any of the action.
In Lexington, Kentucky, Keeneland serves its famed burgoo stew. This is a nutritious snack made up of delicious beef, peas, carrots, and potatoes. You will also discover a range of sandwiches and other foods that are simple to eat and do not need much of your attention.
Fine Dining
The Triple Crown, the Breeders' Cup, and other important races are among the most exciting social events of the year for many racegoers. This is why they are content to pay for a ticket that includes luxury meals or to make a reservation at one of the racetrack’s restaurants.
Fine food choices crafted by famous chefs are frequently available at premium racetracks. These experiences can include everything from multi-course gourmet meals to themed culinary events including fine cuisine matched with premium wines.
All of the big American racetracks feature excellent restaurants where you can watch the horses race while eating delicious meals in a calm atmosphere.
Elegant Treats
We cannot forget about elegant treats, something that wealthy people love when watching a horse race. After all, horse racing events nowadays are attended mostly by the middle and high class, which is why elegant treats make perfect sense.
So, if you glance through the VIP area, you can see that many of the spectators sip on expensive champagne with oysters on the side. When we talk about elegant treats, we mostly think about beef or seafood, which are a big part of horse racing events, especially on the Del Mar racecourse.
Final Words
Horse racing is a sport that follows tradition and has been working constantly to improve the service and make sure that the spectators are having the time of their lives. This is why they spent a lot of time trying to combine the perfect ingredients and create the ultimate diversified menu that is suitable for everyone.
Additionally, since horse racing is tied to tradition, most horse racing events bring some of the traditional local dishes, that are very delicious. So, the next time you are attending a horse race, make sure to stay away from the boring stuff and try some new local traditional dishes. You won’t regret your decision!