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Horse racing is one of the world’s most popular sports, with millions across North America tuning in annually to watch the world-famous Kentucky Derby.

The success of the sport continues to rank incredibly highly, and there is a massive fan base for all equine-based activities across North Carolina.

However, the prominence of the sport has diminished in recent years, with many of the racetracks in the region coming in the motorsport category rather than that of horse racing.  You can check here the best 2025 horse racing promo right now.

But, what horse racing tracks remain in North Carolina and are there options further afield that are local enough for fans of the sport to visit?

History of Racing in North Carolina

For a prolonged period, horse racing was exceptionally popular in North Carolina, as it was the most popular spectator sport between the colonial period and the Civil War.

Historical writer John Brickell wrote extensively about the fondness of the sport from those within the region, with the success booming in the final two decades before the Revolution.

A huge reason for this was due to the English breeding stock in the region, and this would continue as throughout the coming decades as the horses from the region would dominate on track.

Horse racing became a way for the wealthiest to showcase their riches in the region, with notable figures involved in the sport including Willie Jones and Jeptha Atherton.

Birth Of Governing Body

One of the biggest advancements in the sport’s reputation in North Carolina came in the 1770s, as the Wilmington Jockey Club was established. During this period, renowned horse Janus was housed in the state to establish a breed that could dominate on track for years to come.

The popularity of the sport accelerated following the American Revolution, with many states across the U.S. following in the footsteps of North Carolina by setting up jockey clubs, who would be in charge of setting the rules and establishing purses for the major events on the calendar in their respective regions.

It was also during this period that the first top-level thoroughbred races would be competed, although unlike the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic in the modern era, they were run over the ‘heroic distance’ of a stamina-sapping four miles.

Home Of North Carolina Racing

The home of horse racing in the state was located near the Roanoke River, which was home to one of the area’s most famous racehorses- Sir Archie.

Such was his dominance on track, he was forced into an early retirement due to the lack of competition around across the nation. The superstar would eventually be sold to former North Carolina governor William R. Davie after trainer William Ransom Johnson moved to Virginia.

Sir Archie would continue to make a huge impression even in his retirement, as he would produce 400 sires, with most winning major titles across the United States.

Sweeping changes would be made to racing following the Civil War, as plantation systems where southern horses would race were ended. The disappearance of jockey clubs also meant it was challenging to see where the sport fitted in during the new era for the U.S.

Continued Popularity

However, even after the many changes to the sport, racing continued to be a desired option for those in North Carolina. Racing continued to take place at North Carolina State Fair, but the races would be run over much shorter distances than they were previously.

Harness racing would also become the most popular form of racing, but that would ultimately go against its success, as it would disappear from the fair circuit soon after.

Fortunately for fans, racing would never disappear in the local area, and steeplechasing would become incredibly popular during the 1950s. Stoneybrook Stables would host major events over jumps in the mountainous area, before harness racing was re-introduced in 1992.

Pinehurst Race Track

An iconic venue for racing action in the state is found at Pinehurst Race Track. It is located in the historic district of Pinehurst, and it is one of the oldest surviving 20^th century fair exhibition halls in the state of North Carolina.

It is an excellent location for horses, with ten buildings and a huge number of barns and stables located here. The oval racing track was first laid in 1915, and it continues to be one of the most historic venues to witness horses in action.

Such has been its relevance to the sport in the region, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

However, despite having a deep history engrained in horse racing, the state is one of the few that doesn’t hold prestigious stakes races throughout the season. Therefore, it’s likely that fans of the sport have to travel further afield to watch the best equine stars in the United States in action.

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