TAMPA BAY DOWNS RACETRACK
TAMPA BAY DOWNS RACETRACK 2012/2013 FALL/SPRING MEET
Dates: September 28 - November 4
Tampa Bay Downs 2012 Fall Racing Schedule: Thursday through Sunday; Monday, October 8th
Tampa Bay Downs Racetrack Information
Main track (dirt): 1 mile, oval with 3/8 and 7/8 mile chutes
Width of stretch: 75 feet
Composition: Sand and clay composition
Turf: 7/8 mile in circumference with a 1/4 mile chute
Width of stretch: 80 feet
Composition: Tifton #419 Bermuda turf
About Tampa Bay Downs Racetrack:
Tampa Bay Downs is the only Thoroughbred race track on the West Coast of Florida, and is known as one of America's oldest and most well-maintained racetracks. Tampa Bay Downs first opened its doors in 1926 under the name of Tampa Downs, and has since had a long and colorful history. The present owner purchased the track in 1986, and since then Tampa Bay Downs has been continually improving.
Tampa Bay Downs added its 7/8th mile grass track, complete with a ¼ mile chute, in 1998, and has become one of the most popular turf courses in North America. The millennium brought even more amenities to Tampa Bay Downs, including the Downs Golf Practice Facility, which allows patrons to practice their swing while viewing and wagering on simulcast racing; as well as The Silks Poker Room, the card room that has become one of the hottest spots in town. Both are open 7 days a week.
Tampa Bay Downs Racetrack is pleased to once again partner with Lambholm South for Cotillion Festival Day Presented by Lambholm South, Festival Preview Day Presented by Lambholm South and the Lambholm South Race of the Week!
The Oldsmar oval is scheduled to resume live racing in December of 2011. Prior to the opening of Tampa Bay Downs's 85th racing season in December of 2010, the Tampa Bay Derby received a purse boost to $350,000 and a new Grade II status, cementing the race as a major stop on the Triple Crown trail.