Information
Landmark: Red MileCity: Lexington
Country: USA Kentucky
Continent: North America
Red Mile, Lexington, USA Kentucky, North America
Overview
At 1200 Red Mile Road in Lexington, Kentucky, The Red Mile stands as one of the nation’s most storied harness racing tracks, where the thud of hooves has echoed for generations.Since opening in 1875, it’s shaped the course of Standardbred racing and still draws crowds for live harness races, equestrian shows, and horse industry meet‑ups, where the scent of hay lingers in the air.The Red Mile, with its weathered grandstand and long oval track, is Lexington’s oldest harness racing venue and still ranks among the longest-running tracks in North America.It was founded at a time when harness racing was taking off in Kentucky, with crowds packing the stands and the excitement spreading nationwide.Over the years, the track has welcomed countless prestigious races-among them the Little Brown Jug and the Bluegrass Stakes-securing its place in the Standardbred racing world with the thunder of hooves echoing down the stretch.The Red Mile boasts a one‑mile dirt track built for harness racing, its packed, even surface kept smooth for the sulkies-those two‑wheeled carts-pulled at speed by powerful Standardbred horses.Grandstand and Seating: The venue offers both covered spots and open-air seats for thousands, with a clear sightline to the track and the bustling paddock where engines hum.For special events and high-profile races, you can book premium seats or reserve a hospitality suite with crisp white linens and a perfect view of the track.In the paddock, horses are walked in a slow circle and saddled before the race, giving fans a close look at their glossy coats, last-minute prep, and quiet bursts of energy.Stable and training facilities include onsite barns and practice areas, where horses rest in clean stalls and train daily to stay fit and well-cared for through the racing season.Highlights and Events – Harness Racing Meets: Each year, The Red Mile bursts to life with several racing seasons, drawing Standardbred teams from nearby towns, across the region, and even nationwide.The Bluegrass Stakes draws some of the nation’s finest Standardbred horses, thundering in from every corner of the country.Little Brown Jug: The race is usually run in Ohio, but many contenders first test their speed at the Red Mile, where hooves drum against the clay track in preparation for the big day.Special Events: The track comes alive with equestrian competitions, lively community gatherings, and charity events that make the most of its storied past and well-kept grounds.The Red Mile is woven into Lexington’s equine culture, a place where the thud of hooves on packed dirt mirrors the city’s heartbeat as a hub for horse breeding, training, and racing.It pumps money into the local economy, from racing purses to visiting fans buying lunch at small-town diners, and supports a web of horse-related jobs.The track also helps keep Standardbred racing alive and in the spotlight-a sport unlike Thoroughbred racing, where horses pace or trot instead of galloping.At the track, you can cheer from the grandstands as horses thunder past, pick up tips on harness racing strategies, and even place a bet during live events.Some events offer behind-the-scenes tours, where you might watch a jockey tighten a leather strap, learn how the horses are trained, and see exactly how a sulky works.The Red Mile sits just beyond downtown Lexington, easy to reach whether you live nearby or are visiting-only a short drive past the old brick warehouses.The Red Mile blends rich history with the thrill of competitive racing, all rooted in Kentucky’s deep love for horses-you can almost hear the pounding hooves on its storied track.It lets you feel the real thrill of harness racing, all while keeping a vital piece of the state’s equestrian heritage alive-the sharp clatter of hooves on the track and all.
