There are few more popular sports in the world than horse racing, meaning that it is unsurprising that it has featured prominently in pop culture.
Few locations are as perfect for filming big budget television shows and films than horse racing tracks, and some of the most famous across the planet have been used in productions.
Many of the top venues are also popular for bettors at TwinSpires, with tracks such as Churchill Downs, Saratoga, and Santa Anita hosting some of the most important races on the global calendar. But, what tracks have appeared in moves and TV?
Santa Anita Park
There are few more scenic tracks in the world than Santa Anita Park. The track located in Arcadia, California, has featured more than most in movies and TV, and it is a bucket list venue for fans of the sport.
The track first opened its doors back in December 1934, and it now serves as the host to important races on the North American calendar. Among the standout days on the schedule include the Santa Anita Derby and the Santa Anita Handicap. The venue has also played host to the iconic Breeders’ Cup on eleven occasions.
Santa Anita has been a popular shooting location for many films, including the 2003 release Seabiscuit. The iconic match race against War Admiral was filmed for the movie on location. Meanwhile, Santa Anita has also appeared in the 1949 The Story of Seabiscuit and the popular 2005 release Dreamer.
Saratoga Racecourse
Few sporting venues in North America are as historic as Saratoga. Largely regarded as the ‘Graveyard of Champions’, some of the biggest names in thoroughbred racing have suffered shock defeats at the Spa.
The track is located in the scenic spot of Saratoga Springs, just on the outskirts of New York City. It was first opened in August 1863, making it is the fourth oldest racetrack in the United States.
Originally, racing at Saratoga ran for just four days, but the meetings have increased in size over time. The venue was used as a location to film the iconic 1973 classic titled Saratoga. Clark Gable and Jean Harlow star in the film, and it became the highest-grossing release in the year it was released. Scenes for the 2010 release of Secretariat were also shot at the same venue.
Churchill Downs
There are potentially few more famous horse racing venues in North America than Churchill Downs. The venue, located in Louisville, Kentucky, has been staging race since 1875.
It is most famed for hosting the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May. The opening leg of the Triple Crown is the most-watched race on the American calendar, and the race made history this year, as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the iconic event with Golden Tempo. As well as the Derby, Churchill Downs has also had the honor of hosting the prestigious Breeders’ Cup on nine occasions.
The track was used for the film called 50 to 1, with the 2014 flick following the historic long shot success achieved in the Derby by Mine That Bird.
Aintree Racecourse
Horse racing is the second-most attended sport in the United Kingdom, meaning that major events on the calendar typically sell out months in advance.
Aintree Racecourse is home to one of the world’s most famous races, with the Grand National having been staged since 1839. The race serves as the main attraction to Aintree’s big three-day meeting at the end of the season. The National is an important part of British culture, with history being made in 2026, as I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum to regain the National.
Iconic moments play out on track in the race, meaning it is the perfect venue to retell legendary stories. The 1984 film Champions filmed scenes at the track, with the movie telling the real life story of jockey Bob Champion’s return to action after a cancer diagnosis to win the Grand National aboard Aldaniti.
Meydan Racecourse
Few racing venues in the world boast the sheer number of lucrative races boasted by Meydan. The track in Dubai has hosted sporting action since 2010, as it was opened to replace Nad Al Sheba Racecourse.
As well as hosting racing, the venue also boasts a five-star hotel and a nine-hole golf course. The big race on the Meydan calendar is the Dubai World Cup, which boasts an eye-watering purse of $12 million. This race serves as the main event on Dubai World Cup Night, which is famed for being the world’s richest raceday with over $26 million up for grabs in prize money.
The venue also made its way onto the big screen in 2016, as the futuristic grandstands formed the backdrop to Star Trek Beyond.
