Why is horse racing the only sport that does not play the national anthem?

Question

They could play it either before or after their State song.

Answer 1

Elizabeth, John is just being a sarcastic@sshole, and ignore him. I have been to some tracks ( like Keeneland, for example) where the National Anthem is played before the start of the day's race card, usually in the early afternoon. I think the reason we generally don't hear it prior to the Derby is because it, like all the major stakes, is the last race on the card. Not all races have a state song played before them- in fact, the only ones I know of which do are the Triple Crown races. They DO play the National Anthem prior to the start of the Breeder's Cup in the fall- I know that because I have watched these races repeatedly and am familiar with how they are run.

I hope that helps.

Answer 2

im an Aussie...... and in Australia before big races the national anthem is sung!

Answer 3

because women's rights activist got run over by queens carriage  in 1900.SO don't play anthem.plus its world sport.

Answer 4

Since the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes are NOT the first race of the day...I am going to guess it IS actually played at the beginning of the race day.  

Is that correct?  If you watched the entire day, which normally starts on ESPN about 9am eastern...the first race a couple of hours later about 11 am I think, I believe you would hear it.  

I know I have always heard it - but I am not sure if this is exactly when because I start watching the first morning coverage - I love Breakfast at the Downs  :-)  I think I missed it this year though.  I guess I could be wrong that it is played before the first race of the day though.  The person above, in his witty retort, states it is played before the first race.  And that is what I have always thought.

***EDITED TO ADD***

To the OP - did you NOT read the response from the first person who you criticized and the rest of us?  Because CLEARLY we all stated it IS played - what don't you get about that?  Or do you just refuse to believe that you are wrong??  LOL!!  

Again, as I stated, the first responder stated, and two other people stated - IT IS PLAYED!  However, it is played before the first race - which is normally about 11am the morning of those "big races".  But it absolutely is played!!!

Answer 5

Clearly you have never been to ANY real horse race event neither T-bred or America's own true equine sport harness racing, perhaps your parents will take you to a day at the races, for unlike so many sporting events where the song is a mere nuisance it is usually played, anywhere 30 to 15 minutes prior to the first post time, and most people still stand, and racetracks are not ashamed of the stars and stripes, as you will find the flag centered in the infield, or properly displayed to the right.

You show as sever a lack of intelligence as a PETA -freak, as the song at the Belmont Stakes is "Sidewalks of New York", which is NOT the Empire States official song.

Now pick up your sippy cup with both hands and step away from the computer

Answer 6

The national Anthem is played at the START before the first race of the day in ran.  that is the beginning of the games as in all sports.

Just curious have you ever heard them play the National anthem again at half time or the 7th inning stretch.

No, so it is not necessary to replay the national anthem at the start of the 11th or 12th race of the day.

If you have been to the Derby and the Belmont, I am assuming you were late and not there at the beginning of racing those days.

Answer 7

They play the National Anthem prior to the first race of the day.  They also have a prayer issued by the track chaplin prior to the first race of the day.

Answer 8

because the state anthem is played.why it evolved 2 b state anthems instead of national,i dont kno.but no disrespect to the us is intended.preakness has "maryland,my maryland",etc.i dont see anything wrong in giving an acknowledgement to ones beloved state-its not like u go to the derby,and hear "le marseilles",or "rule,britannia">

Answer 9

they do before the first race of the day