To be honest, most “race” songs aren’t about horse racing at all. They are about life moving fast, relationships going sideways, or someone trying to outrun their own decisions. On top of that, horse racing has never been big on music. Yes, songs and melodies are part of some of the most popular events, but they aren’t exactly like the Super Bowl halftime show.
However, horse racing has impacted our culture in many different ways. From fashion to music, and that’s why, once in a while, we can see a songwriter who goes strangely specific about horse racing moments.
That’s quite explainable. These songwriters are either trying to add metaphors, or they are trying to attach the song to the horse culture we all know and love. And once you see it like that and start collecting such songs, you’ll realize that horse racing has been sneaking into music for a long time.
Let’s highlight some of the iconic racing moments we’ve found in music.
When Racing Was the Whole Story: “Camptown Races”
Out of all songs, it’s safe to say that the oldest and clearest example of horse racing in music is Stephen Foster’s “Camptown Races.” This is a song where the lyrics literally talk about the racetrack, the horses, as well as the betting. He literally says, “I’ll bet my money on the bob-tail nag…”
When you think about it, these are all the things that make horse racing special. The sport wouldn’t be possible without horses or betting, that’s for sure. That’s why so many bettors are trying to predict the winner of big events like the Kentucky Derby. It’s exciting and adrenaline-rushing, and those feelings work perfectly in a song.
So, if you want some betting inspiration before you place a bet on the Kentucky Derby, this is the song for you. But you also need to do your own research and dive into the top expert picks for this year’s event by clicking the link below: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/handicapping/
What we love about this song is how direct it is. There are no metaphors, no mystery. It’s all about racing.
The Race Is On
Another good example of horse emotions entering music is “The Race Is On” by George Jones. This song uses track language so cleanly that it’s almost unfair. To be honest, it’s even difficult to understand the song if you are an outsider in the world of horse racing.
This song compares the races with the love life, and that’s exactly why it works. It doesn’t mention racing as decoration. It uses racing vocabulary the way actual racing people talk to deliver a message.
The song is strange, and most normal people won’t get it. But that was the point. Once you enter the world of horse racing, it will start to make a lot of sense.
When a Real Track Gets Named: “You’re So Vain”
This is a song where the lyrics shift into a horse racing direction quite quickly and unexpectedly. It is one of those: “wait, did they just say that?” moments.
The song is about a relationship, but it also pivots to horse racing. There is that famous line where Carly Simon says, “Well, I hear you went up to Saratoga, and your horse naturally won.” That’s very specific. He is talking about a racing town that symbolizes freedom.
And the wording is the best part: “naturally won.” It’s not just that the person went to the races; it’s the smug assumption that everything bends their way, even the horses.
When the Derby Has Its Own Soundtrack: “My Old Kentucky Home”
Now we have a legendary horse that is associated with the Kentucky Derby. Yep, it is “My Old Kentucky Home.”
First of all, the song doesn’t mention the Derby in the lyrics, but it is still one of the most real racing-music connections that is woven into tradition.
The Kentucky Derby’s own official history notes that the tradition is believed to date to at least 1921, and that since 1936 (with a few exceptions) it’s been performed by the University of Louisville Marching Band as the horses’ head toward the start.
This means that it’s not a racing reference that happened inside a song, but a song that happens inside racing, and that’s a big difference. If you’re attending the Kentucky Derby, you should learn the lyrics just because everyone sings along before the race starts.
When Racing Shows Up as a Night Out: “Katie at the Races”
Some songs treat horse racing less like myth and more like real life: the travel, the people, the day’s mood.
The Tossers’ “Katie at the Races” opens with a specific scene: “At Arlington at the race outside of town…” It’s grounded, it’s personal, and it feels like you’re right there with them, watching the day unfold around the track.
That’s a different kind of racing song, not about the horses as symbols, but the racetrack as a place where life happens. The same way some people talk about Saratoga or Belmont like they’re old friends.
So, yes, even though horse racing isn’t big on music, it’s safe to say that the sport has impacted the music industry in many different ways.
