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There are few better locations for horse racing in the United States than Pinehurst in North Carolina. The village in Moore County has a rich history in sport, which includes hosting the U.S. Open golf championship on multiple occasions.

However, its links with horse racing can be dated back hundreds of years ago, with some of the biggest stars that the sport has produced having performed at the main racetrack in the region.

So, what makes Pinehurst such a desired location for horse racing, and what is the history of the local area?

Pinehurst History

Pinehurst is a village located in Moore County in North Carolina, and it is a hidden gem within the local region. The local region only has a population of 17,581, with the vast majority working in some capacity within the sporting industry.

The vast majority of the local village, which includes resort complexes, is designated as a National Historic Landmark. It has historically been regarded as one of the best places to live in the region, as it is ranked by POLICOM as the best metropolitan area to live in North Carolina. Pinehurst also ranks in the top ten of metropolitan areas nationwide.

Golf in the Region

One of the main sporting attractions in the area is Pinehurst Resort, which has held significant golf events since 1895. Throughout its history, it has hosted the U.S. Open Championships on four occasions, as well as the Ryder Cup.

Pinehurst also famously hosted the PGA Championship in 1936. The most recent U.S. Open Championship to be held at Pinehurst was in 2024, as Bryson DeChambeau held off Rory McIlroy in a tense final round.

While the Pinehurst Resort is the most famous golf course in the region, it is one of 40 located in the hotspot. The Country Club of North Carolina also ranks as one of the most popular in the region, while Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in the adjacent town of Southern Pines has hosted the Women’s U.S. Open on four occasions.

Horse Racing in Pinehurst

As well as golf, Pinehurst also has a storied history in horse racing. The area is famous for its equestrian community, and it previously held races at Stoneybrook Steeplechase. You can check here all the races in the area: https://www.twinspires.com/major-horse-races/  The love of horses remains strong in the local area, with fox hunting being an incredibly popular activity for many.

To this day, it is a famous hot spot for racing action, with many fans typically passing through the gates at Pinehurst Racetrack.

Pinehurst Racetrack

The most famous location for racing in the local region can be found in the form of Pinehurst Racetrack. This location has been open to the public since 1915. Events at the track grew in prominence from 1916 following the formation of the Pinehurst Jockey Club, with Leonard Tufts being named as the first president.

The original formation of the Club was made up of trainers, owners, and jockeys. Throughout the track’s early history, Pinehurst was revered for its training facilities, with many of the nation’s best horses opting to spend time at the region. Harness racing at Pinehurst grew in prominence in the late 1920s.

One of the most dominant figures in the early history of the track was Doc Parshall, who won 130 races in the 1937 campaign. The success of the star made international headlines, with Pinehurst regarded as the location where champions are made in the 1937 Christmas edition of the Harness Horse Magazine. This played a significant impact in the track’s reputation, reaching new heights, attracting the nation’s best stars to Pinehurst.

Track Revamps & Modern Success

After early success, track modifications were made in the 1940s, as a new mile track was formally opened. But, Pinehurst wasn’t always safe from external threats, as there were fears that the track could be closed down in the 1970s.

These fears were extended several years later after the track was purchased by real estate investors. However, the land proved difficult to sell, and The Friends of Pinehurst Harness Tracks encouraged Pinehurst Village Council to buy the land in 1992. Once this purchase was completed, the long-term future of the track was assured.

Its place as one of the most important racing venues was realised in 1992 when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Since then, the track has gone from strength to strength. It is now home to 18 barns and two blacksmith shops. Its busiest period of the year comes during the spring, with dressage events, hunter and jumper shows, and annual dog shows among the events on the calendar. It also hosts famous cultural events in the region, with the Sandhills Fair taking place annually at Pinehurst since the Fair Barn was built in 1917.