There are few more popular social events on offer than a day at the races. Millions pass through the gates at some of the iconic tracks across the word, with the hope of finding a winner or two.
However, there is more to a day at the races than taking advantage of welcome bonuses, such as this one: https://www.twinspires.com/200-signup/
For many, the day revolves around spending time with friends and family.
Drinking and eating well during the day is a must for those that attend, but cultural differences between tracks across the globe means that there are different dishes that can be enjoyed during a trip to the racetrack.
But, what are some of the most famous meals that should be experienced if you’re taking in a day of racing at one of the most famous events on the calendar?
Crab Cakes
Handheld foods are most popular at racing, as there are typically few seating options to enjoy a sit down meal. Therefore, it is no surprise that crab cakes have been widely recognised as one of the most popular dishes in U.S. racing.
The meal is most commonly associated with the Preakness Stakes, which was won in 2025 by Journalism. The race at Pimlico forms the second leg of the Triple Crown following the Kentucky Derby. Crab cakes consist of crab meat, as well as other ingredients such as mayonnaise, breadcrumbs and mustard.
The history between the dish and the Preakness Stakes is down to the meal’s association with Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, and its historic roots date back to a 1939 publication by Crosby Gaige in the New York World’s Fair Cook Book. Such has been the love of the dish, it has since gained traction outside of Maryland, as they are also popular in South Atlantic states, and New England.
Oysters
If you’re heading Down Under for one of the biggest events on the racing calendar, the Melbourne Cup, then there are few dishes that can rival oysters in terms of feeling luxurious at Flemington.
The dish is widely available at the track on Cup Day, which is historically the first Tuesday in November. There is a range of stalls available at Flemington to grab oysters, with some opting to take a modern twist on the Aussie favourite.
For example, there are some stalls that will offer the oysters alongside sushi dishes, creating a bite-sized meal that will ensure the drinks will go down well. An Australian favourite drink on Melbourne Cup day is champagne, but all popular options are also available.
Hot Brown
The Kentucky Derby is widely considered to be the world’s most famous race, with record-breaking numbers tuning in to witness Sovereignty’s success at Churchill Downs earlier this year.
However, there are a number of dining options that have gained a life of their own following gaining traction due to their relation to the great race. Among those are Hot Brown sandwiches.
This dish originates from Kentucky, and was created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, just a stone’s throw from Churchill Downs. It is a traditional twist on the Welsh rarebit, and is one of two signature sandwiches that were created at the hotel shortly after it was founded in 1923.
It has become a staple of Derby Day traditions for millions in modern history, and it is regularly available across the state, despite the fact that the original home of the sandwich has been closed down since the 1980s.
Derby Pie
Such has been the prestige of the Kentucky Derby, it was also merited with a pie named in its honour. Derby Pie is an excellent desert option for visitors to the track, as it includes chocolate and walnut in an open-faced custard pie.
Like the Hot Brown, the roots of the dish date back to a specific location in the region, with George Kern of the Melrose Inn creating the recipe in the 1950s. It immediately became a huge hit with consumers, and that has since seen future events honoured in the same way, with the Pegasus Pie and May Die Pie also formed at the Melrose Inn. It is a must-try for all visitors to the local area.
Pork Pie
Pastries are an incredibly popular dining option at horse racing events in the United Kingdom. Pork pies are regularly available at major meetings at Aintree and Cheltenham during the season, especially considering their origins in the north of England.
Pork pies can be served hot or cold, and the filling consists of chopped pork layered by jellied pork stock in a crust pastry. These pies typically sell out during Grand National day, with the big race won in 2025 by Nick Rockett. Down south for events at Ascot and Newmarket, cold sandwiches and cheese boards are among the most popular dining choices.
