Colorado Horse Racing Tracks

Thoroughbred and quarter horse racing in the Rocky Mountains

Colorado Horse Racing at a Glance

1

Primary Racetrack

May-Aug

Racing Season

$500K+

Purse Money

Aurora

Location

Colorado's Horse Racing Venue

Colorado features one primary horse racing facility serving the state's racing community. Bally's Arapahoe Park in Aurora is Colorado's only live horse racing track, offering thoroughbred and quarter horse racing during the summer season.

Primary Racing Venue

Bally's Arapahoe Park (Mile High Racing)

Aurora, Colorado | 26000 E Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80016

Racing Types: Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Paint Horse, Arabian

Season: May to August (Summer racing)

2025 Schedule: September 12 - November 16 (post time 1:00 pm Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)

Bally's Arapahoe Park, operated as Mile High Racing and Entertainment, is Colorado's only live horse racing facility. Located on the outskirts of Aurora in Arapahoe County, the track hosts exciting thoroughbred and quarter horse racing during the summer and fall. The facility features multiple racing types and hosts year-round simulcast racing from tracks across the nation.

Major Races: Mile High Derby, Mile High Futurity (quarter horse), Colorado Derby, Gold Rush Futurity, Arapahoe Park Classic, Inaugural Stakes

Purse Money: From $40,000 Inaugural Stakes in May through $130,000 Mile High Futurity in August/October, with over $500,000 in combined purse and stakes money for quarter horses alone.

Facilities: Year-round simulcast racing, sports betting, off-track betting at Havana Park OTB location (Aurora)

Major Colorado Racing Events

Thoroughbred Racing

  • Inaugural Stakes: $40,000, opening day May
  • Colorado Derby: Premier stakes race, mid-summer
  • Gold Rush Futurity: $100,000, 2-year-olds
  • Arapahoe Park Classic: $100,000, 1 1/8 miles

Quarter Horse Racing

  • Mile High Futurity: $130,000+ (August-October)
  • Mile High Derby: Major stakes quarter horse race
  • Rocky Mountain Futurity
  • Cherry Creek Futurity
  • 500K+: Total purse money for quarter horses

Visitor Information & Betting

Racing Details

  • Racing Season: May-August
  • Post Time: 1:00 pm Fri/Sat/Sun
  • Minimum Age: 18 for pari-mutuel betting
  • Betting Types: Win, place, show, exacta, trifecta

Additional Options

  • Simulcast Racing: Year-round
  • Off-Track Betting: Havana Park OTB (Aurora)
  • Regulatory Authority: Colorado Department of Revenue

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado's horse racing season at Bally's Arapahoe Park runs from May through August, with 2025 summer racing September 12 through November 16. Live racing typically occurs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with 1:00 pm post times.

Arapahoe Park hosts thoroughbred, quarter horse, paint horse, and Arabian horse racing. The track is particularly known for its quarter horse racing programs, which are highly competitive and attract quality competitors from across the Rocky Mountain region.

The Mile High Futurity is Colorado's premier quarter horse stakes race, held in August or October with a purse exceeding $130,000. The race is a highlight of the racing calendar and attracts top quarter horse competitors from across the country.

You can bet on horses at Bally's Arapahoe Park during live racing (May-August), at Havana Park Off-Track Betting in Aurora year-round, and through simulcast racing at authorized facilities. The minimum age for pari-mutuel wagering is 18 years old.

Major Colorado thoroughbred races include the Inaugural Stakes ($40,000, opening day), Colorado Derby, Gold Rush Futurity ($100,000 for 2-year-olds), and Arapahoe Park Classic ($100,000 at 1 1/8 miles). These races attract quality thoroughbreds throughout the season.

Related Resources

Last updated on November 27, 2025