How many of you thought that horse racing in Colorado was a thing of the past? Well, the situation is changing fast, and Colorado is becoming an important player in the US horse racing industry.

For starters, the horse racing pulse is very much alive, and it’s coming mainly through Arapahoe Park in Aurora, CO. Unfortunately, this is the only live horse racing track in the state, but that might change in the future as horse racing becomes more mainstream.

Arapahoe packs several types of racing under its roof. It includes Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Arabian, and other types of races throughout the year. This variety gives the local racing scene some texture, and it is becoming a tourist attraction. So, if you want fast-paced sprints or longer, more strategic runs, Colorado has plenty to offer.

This year’s season wrapped up recently, and racing authorities praised the “safe and successful” season. There were more than 180 races held, hundreds of horses competed, and most importantly, there were no fatal injuries thanks to solid vet care and careful track maintenance. 

This is what helps the sport grow, stay credible, and attract both owners and spectators for more competition. But let’s talk more about the horse racing culture in Colorado and all the stars that made it into the history books.

Horses That Carry Colorado’s Racing Spirit

There is no other horse that represents Colorado’s racing scene better than the Collusionist. Surprisingly, this is a Colorado-bred Thoroughbred gelding, and it has become something of a local legend. Why is this horse so popular?

Well, this year, he set the record for earnings by a Colorado-bred horse, with career winnings around half a million dollars.

The Collusionist has more than 50 starts, has racked up around 25 wins, and has multiple stakes victories right at Arapaoe park. But the story behind the horse makes it even more interesting. It sounds like a horse that everyone wants to bet on.

The horse was bought as a modest yearling and never had any flashy abilities or a champion bloodline. This horse was not hyped like national-level horses, but it somehow managed to stay consistent throughout the years, and somehow always came home when it mattered.

His popularity says a lot about racing in Colorado. In other words, it’s not always about millionaire purses and national headlines, but also about the heart and the people (trainers, groomers, stable hands) that treat him like a family and make this all possible.

Remember, this isn’t a horse like those competing in the Kentucky Derby, with champion bloodlines and huge trainer names that attract all the betting action. But this proves that it all comes down to the horse and the human connection. The Collusionist got plenty of wins over the years, and nowadays, it’s one of the favourites in terms of betting in Colorado.

Of course, picking a horse to bet on requires in-depth research. You have to look at past form, pace, trainer history, and more. This may be a lot for bettors that are just starting out, which is why it is always a good idea to check out reputable sources like TwinSpires.com for the latest tips and expert predictions, even for local horses like the Collusionist.

The People & Institutions In Colorado

Horses are one part of the story, but the picture is still not complete. We still need trainers, jockeys, and owners. These people are also very important for the horse racing industry. When we talk about Colorado’s horse racing legends, only one name keeps popping up – Pat Day.

He is an incredibly talented jockey (now retired) who is one of the most successful jockeys in American racing history. Although his biggest success came nationally, he was born in Brush, Colorado, and still remains a local racing legend.

With close to 9,000 career wins and multiple classic-race victories (including the Kentucky Derby), he stands as proof that top-tier racing talent also comes from Colorado.

What about horse racing trainers? Well, there aren’t many flashy names that come from Colorado, but we do have to mention the team behind Collusionist. The horse is trained by O.A. Martinez Jr. (with assistant trainer, his wife, Sharlot Martinez). This due has become legendary at Arapahoe Park.

It’s not just horses and people making the comeback. Organizations like Colorado Horse Racing Association (CHA) are working behind the scenes to support breeders, trainers, and owners, fighting for fair rules, welfare standards, and better opportunities for racing folks in the state.

Why Colorado’s Racing Scene Feels Like It’s Just Starting Again

There is no doubt that the vibe at Arapahoe, and Colorado racing in general, feels different now than it did a decade ago. There’s a sense of hopeful rebuilding for whatever reason. Races are packed with spectators, and that thrill for horse racing has returned.

We also have help for innovations like fixed-odds wagering, which was recently approved in Colorado, and can bring new revenue streams. What does this mean? Well, as of 2024, bettors in Colorado can wager on fixed horse racing odds for both global and domestic horse racing.

This adds a fresh layer to the horse racing scene and makes it even more appealing. At this pace, we expect new legendary names in the industry to originate from Colorado in the upcoming years.