Horse racing is known for a lot of things, but not for songs. But if you are a true horse racing fan, you already know that certain anthems carry the history and traditions of specific events. They are also powerful in transferring the message and meaning behind horse racing events, and they amplify the excitement and anticipation before all hell breaks loose.
So, we are talking about a sport that has always had a soundtrack. You might not notice it right away, but all you need to do is listen more carefully.
There are plenty of songs that define horse racing culture and have made the sport even more epic. These songs didn’t become iconic just because they were written for horse racing. They became iconic because racing gave them context and emotion, and that’s a big thing in the music world.
That’s why, over time, they stopped being just songs and turned into part of the experience. But let’s dig deeper and find out more about some of the most iconic songs from the Sport of Kings.
Why Music Matters So Much in Horse Racing
Well, we have a sport that’s literally built on anticipation. People analyze horses, place bets, and share their own thoughts on who’s going to win the race. They put money on the line and cannot wait for the race to start.
Betting is a big part of horse racing, especially for big events like the Kentucky Derby. People here bite their nails off as soon as they hear the Call to the Post. They know the action is coming. Songs amplify the excitement you already feel from betting. They make the process more enjoyable and fun. So, if you are browsing some Kentucky Derby betting sites, make sure you inspire yourself with some horse racing songs.
Horse racing isn’t like the Super Bowl, where there are huge concerts in between races. Music here is all about building anticipation. Before the race starts, music plays in the background, and it continues after the race.
Over the years and decades of horse racing, certain tracks got locked into those moments. In fact, some became true identities of certain races.
“My Old Kentucky Home”
When it comes to horse racing songs, there isn’t a better example than “My Old Kentucky Home,” which, as you guessed, is reserved for the Kentucky Derby.
This song plays before the race, when the crowd is already invested in the story, and most of the people have placed their bets. The stakes are high, people sing along, and the song has become iconic for the race.
This is one of those rare moments in sports where tens of thousands of people slow down together. But this is not an adrenaline-pumping song. It’s more about carrying the message, the meaning, and the true purpose of the event. And people feel that energy. That’s why the Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular races in the world, with over 150,000 people showing up every year.
This song reminds everyone that the Derby isn’t only about speed. It’s also about legacy.
“Call to the Post” The Signal
If you are a true horse racing fan, then you already know what “Call to the Post” means. This isn’t background music played before the race, and once again, it’s tied to the Kentucky Derby. It seems like Churchill Downs is more concerned about creating the vibe than organizing the race itself.
This is a trumpet melody played at the racetrack, and over the years, it has become sort of a warning bell. Once it plays, chatting between people stops, drinks get set down, and all eyes are locked in at the starting gate.
It’s short, sharp, and does one thing extremely well. It tells you that whatever you were doing before doesn’t matter anymore. It’s time for the big race.
When you think about it, very few sounds have that kind of authority, not just in horse racing, but in sports in general.
Other Traditional Horse Racing Songs
Since horse racing is heavily tied to country music, many of the songs have that easygoing vibe that focuses more on emotions rather than a pure adrenaline rush. We have songs like “The Camptown Races,” “Run for the Roses” by Dan Fogelberg (again, Kentucky Derby), with many reasons why this song is special, “The Galway Races,” and many others.
None of them are centered on the idea of the sport but focus on building history and tradition, and making people feel the emotions of horse racing. That’s why they work so well.
“We Are the Champions”
Winning a big race isn’t just about crossing the line first. It’s about the moment after.
Songs like “We Are the Champions” became staples in post-race celebrations, especially for major wins. They play while owners smile for cameras, jockeys lift trophies, and the crowd soaks in the result.
The song stretches the moment. It turns a finish into a memory.
That’s important in a sport where the actual race can be over in two minutes.
So, music has a big part in horse racing, and as long as racing continues to balance history with spectacle, there will be music tied to those moments.
The Indy Review 