Are there classic race in American horse racing?

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In the United States, the three races that make up the Triple Crown are:

1. Kentucky Derby, run over the 1 1⁄4-mile (2.0 km) dirt track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky
2. Preakness Stakes, run over the 1 3⁄16-mile (1.9 km) dirt track at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland
3. Belmont Stakes, run over the 1 1⁄2-mile (2.4 km) dirt track (the longest in U.S. thoroughbred racing) at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, just east of New York City

Other Classic Races are The Breeders` Cup and The Pegasus World Cup...Show more

Below are said to be the 5 most famous "Classic" horse races in the world. However, I'm sure not every one would agree.

Epsom Derby-
One of the oldest races of the modern era, the Epsom Derby can trace its roots to 1780 England. It’s steeped in tradition, history, and the weight of sheer prestige. It’s undoubtedly the most famous English race, with the country simply knowing it as ‘the Derby’. The prize purse is a very healthy $2 million.

Kentucky Derby-
The planet’s most famous horse race is the Kentucky Derby started in 1875, is the primary leg of the Triple Crown, and is held on the first Saturday of May every year. Known as “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sport”, with 3-year-old thoroughbreds racing a track 10 furlongs in length (2,012m). Considering the race’s reputation, it’s no surprise that gamblers all over the world tune in and place a bet. It also draws huge crowds, with the 2017 edition welcoming 158,070 attendees. What sets this race apart is a tradition: the mint julep, the burgoo, the famous “Millionaire’s Row”, and the yearly spectacle of the marching band’s “My Old Kentucky Home” all contribute to the special atmosphere created by this race.

Breeders’ Cup Classic-
Despite its relative youth (the first race was held in 1984), it’s the richest horse race you’ll find in the United States. The prize purse is over triple of what you’d get at the Epsom Derby, with $6 million. With the race limited to 14 starters, all of them being top notch thoroughbreds, the Breeders’ Cup Classic is incredibly difficult to predict.


Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe-
The official website calls this the ‘greatest horse race in the world’. While it comes close, it just about reaches the podium on our list. The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe comes in at number 3. The race doesn’t quite reach Derby’s lengthy history, but it is about to reach its century mark: in 2020, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe will be celebrating 100 years of racing.

Dubai World Cup-
This race has a staggering prize purse of $12 million. Run on the last Saturday in March of every year, the Dubai World Cup takes places on the Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, UAE. It’s the newest race on our list, with the first horses taking off just over 20 years ago in 1996. The Dubai World Cup has recently reclaimed its crown as the richest horse race on the planet, a title it lost in 2017 to the Pegasus World Cup. In 2019, however, the American race reduced its purse by $7 million (from $16 to $9 million). The event screams money from top to bottom, which is unsurprising as it’s backed by the country’s ruling Sheikh. The race is actually part of the wider Dubai World Cup Night Event, which has an overall purse of just under $30 million.


Kentucky Derby-
The planet’s most famous horse race is the Kentucky Derby started in 1875, is the primary leg of the Triple Crown, and is held on the first Saturday of May every year. Known as “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sport”, with 3-year-old thoroughbreds racing a track 10 furlongs in length (2,012m). Considering the race’s reputation, it’s no surprise that gamblers all over the world tune in and place a bet. It also draws huge crowds, with the 2017 edition welcoming 158,070 attendees. What sets this race apart is a tradition: the mint julep, the burgoo, the famous “Millionaire’s Row”, and the yearly spectacle of the marching band’s “My Old Kentucky Home” all contribute to the special atmosphere created by this race....Show more

Yes - each race of the Triple Crown would qualify. As would The Travers in Saratoga, and .. the Breeder's Cup?...Show more