There are few more passionate states in the United States when it comes to sport than Mississippi. The state is crazy about its love of College sports, with major success being felt by a number of teams throughout modern history.

 

Due to that passion and love for being outdoors, it is no surprise that the state has a deep history when it comes to horse racing.

 

But, where are the best locations to watch equine stars strut their stuff in the local area, and is there any tracks that are situated in Mississippi?

 

Mississippi Horse Park

 

There are limited options to watch live horses in action in the state in this modern day, but for those looking to get up close and personal, there are few better locations than Mississippi Horse Park.

 

The location prides itself on being able to provide entertainment to local area, with the Horse Park being an extension of MSU. It is grand in size, with the Horse Park covering 100 acres in partnership with the City of Starkville and Oktibbeha County.

 

Annually, the track will host 50 events, with around 60,000 people coming through the gates to learn more about horses. Among the most popular events include harness racing, which can often be a very popular day out for families living in the local area.

 

The Horse Poor Barrel Race has also been a historic event in the region, but doubts have been cast surrounding its long-term future after it was cancelled in 2023 due to lack of pre-entries.

 

Race Course Closure

 

One of the most historic venues for horse racing in the local area was previously found in the form of Pharsalia Race Course. This track opened its doors to the public in 1790, and it was long considered to be the premier horse racing venue in the state prior to the American Civil War.

 

It was previously known as St. Catherin’s Course due to its proximity to the local creek, but it was renamed in honour of the historic battleground in Greece. History at the track was mixed during American issues during the period. That evident as black slaves were jockeys.

 

But, the meetings at the track were regularly well-attended, with the big meet of the year running for four days. Unlike in the modern day, there were no betting options on track, as owners would bet between themselves.

 

Historically, winners of the race would pick up the Pharsalia Plate, which had survived for generations due to being buried on a sugar plantation during the war. However, racing at the track no longer exists, and hasn’t since the 1920s. Nowadays, all evidence of the course has vanished, as it is just a plantation site on the outskirts of town.

 

Where to Watch Horse Racing Nearby?

 

Unfortunately, thoroughbred racing isn’t operational in the state of Mississippi, meaning that fans of the sport are forced to travel in order to see equine superstars up close in this modern day.

 

However, there are a number of tracks that are within driving distance for fans of the sport. You can check a list of tournaments here: https://www.twinspires.com/tournaments/

 

Louisiana Downs

 

The most popular racetrack in the nearby area is Louisiana Downs, which is located a five hour drive from Mississippi Horse Park. This track has housed horse racing action since 1974, and it also featured a state-of-the-art casino with over 800 slot machines.

 

It has been a popular venue for tourists throughout history, with a staggering 300,000 wagered in its first year in operation. Thoroughbred racing at the track runs between May and September, with quarter horses in action between January and March.

 

Its most historic race comes in the form of the Super Derby, which was first run in September 1980. It was previously a top race for horses from across the States, with a notable winner coming in the form of Tiznow. Following a break from the calendar, it returned in 2023.

 

Delta Downs

 

Located around six hours away from Mississippi can be found Delta Downs. This track is one of the finest in the state of Louisiana, and has been housing horse racing action since September 1973.

 

It typically boasts some high quality racing action for both quarter horses and thoroughbreds, with a number of stakes winners performing at the track. The racing season at the track runs between July and November, and there have been four key graded races on the schedule throughout history. Among those included the G2 Delta Princess Stakes, and the G3 Delta Jackpot Stakes.

 

The latter was contested between 2002 and 2017. This race was run by horses aged two and a huge purse of $1 million was up for grabs. It was targeted by some top trainers during the 2000s, with Todd Pletcher, Steve Asmussen, and William Mott all sending rounds to Delta Downs.