By Lindsay Griffin

People have a variety of ways to watch each of the Triple Crown races.

Many choose to go to the track in person. They book plane tickets and make reservations at the track. While this can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially for a longtime racing fan, there is a lot of stress attached to such a trip- as well as a hefty price tag.

On the other hand, some simply stream the race to their device, or watch it via network television. While this is casual and comfortable, and easy to customize to your own needs, it is not often a social way to enjoy the races, and can make three of the most important days of the sport seem rather ordinary.

For those who wish to have a good mix of casual and special atmosphere, viewing parties are ideal. Hosting a party ensures that your closest friends and family can celebrate this event with you, while still keeping the prices reasonable and stress low. 

Of course, hosting a party does have its own requirements, such as food! What are some of the best choices to serve your guests if you are hosting a Triple Crown event? So, besides looking for free horse racing selections, you might want to grab a bite when going to the races. Read on to find out a savory meal and a sweet treat for each of the three Triple Crown races.

The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is the first race on the Triple Crown calendar. It is known as the “Run for the Roses” as well as “The Greatest Two Minutes In Sports.” It is the most famous race in the United States, and one of the most famous (and prestigious) in all the world. The race is held every year in Louisville, Kentucky.

Burgoo

Burgoo is a thick stew that sprouted not from the expensive dining halls of Southern plantations and their rich owners, but rather from the kitchens of the enslaved populations and rural poor (though some contend that the original recipe was of European origin). There is no standard recipe for burgoo, but it typically consists of beef, pork, mutton, or chicken, mixed with vegetables such as okra, lima beans, carrots, corn, potatoes, and tomatoes.

Derby Pie

Unlike burgoo, Derby Pies have a very specific origin. The recipe was created by Leaundra, Walter, and George Kern in 1954. Derby Pie is a chocolate pie with walnuts folded in that can be ordered for delivery or purchased at specific sellers during Derby season. Although there are many imitators, only the Kern family’s creations hold the patent and are entitled to the name “Derby Pie.”

The Preakness Stakes

The Preakness traditionally takes place two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. It is the shortest of the Triple Crown races; at 1 3/16ths miles, it is a sixteenth of a mile shorter than the Derby. Although early editions of the race took place in other states, it has spent the last century firmly ensconced in Baltimore, Maryland.

Crab Cakes

There is perhaps no food more closely connected to Maryland than crab cakes. Although fresh lump crab meat can be expensive, it is generally preferred, although refrigerated crab meat can also be used. Once the ingredients have been gathered, the cakes themselves are relatively easy to make. Chopped hearts of palm can be substituted for crab if you would like to make a vegan option.

Smith Island Cake

Smith Island Cake is the official Maryland State Dessert. The cake is made up of thin layers of yellow cake separated by chocolate icing. Some recipes vary the layers with different cake or icing flavors, and others include different toppings. Some of the most popular toppings include black walnuts, pecans, seasonal fruit, and pieces of candy bars. 

The Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes, which happens three weeks after the Preakness, is known as “the Test of the Champion,” due to its grueling 1 ½ mile distance (although the race will be held at 1 ¼ miles in 2024 and 2025 due to Belmont Park being renovated and the race being held at Saratoga). The race has always been held in New York.

New York Pizza

There are few things New Yorkers love more- or are more fiercely proud of- than New York style pizza. A good New York style pizza involves a thin crust, broad slices, and so much mozzarella cheese that it hangs from the sides. Some restaurants that specialize in the style may be able to deliver or cater, but homemade pizza is always the tastiest!

Cheesecake

New Yorkers love their cheese, in both their savory dishes and their desserts! Cheesecake can be served in a number of different styles, including chocolate-based and with ribbons of fruit flavoring such as raspberry or strawberry, typically with a graham-cracker crust. Many recipes do not even require baking- just fold the ingredients together and refrigerate!