Tampa Bay Downs is an American Thoroughbred horse racing facility located in Westchase, Florida, just outside Tampa. The main track is a one-mile oval made up of sand and loam composition, and is rated one of the best surfaces in the nation for both training and racing. The main track is 75 feet wide, the length of the stretch is 976 feet, and the track features a seven-furlong chute. The turf course was completed in 1998 and is seven-eighths of a mile in circumference with a quarter-mile The backstretch houses 1,460 horses in 31 barns, including two receiving barns. The Grandstand seats 4,300 people and the Clubhouse seats 1,700 patrons.
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. Originally opened as Tampa Downs in 1926, the racetrack has amassed a long and colorful history. It was renamed Sunshine Park in 1947 and entered the modern era in that year with the installation of an electric starting gate, photo finish and electronic tote board.
During the 1950s, the racecourse was a popular attraction with many sportswriters who came to the Tampa Bay area to cover baseball spring training. In 1965, the track was acquired by a group of Tampa sportsmen and renamed Florida Downs.
In 1980, during another switch in ownership, the track was renamed Tampa Bay Downs. Present ownership assumed the reins just prior to the 1986-1987 season, and the facility has been in a state of constant improvement since then.
The conclusion of the 1997 season signaled a new era for the Tampa oval as Mrs. Stella Thayer, President and Treasurer of Tampa Bay Downs, announced the installation of a 7/8-mile turf course with a 1/4-mile chute. The course was completed in the spring of 1998 and the first turf race was contested on Kentucky Derby Day, May 2, 1998. This improvement has provided more opportunities for horsemen and patrons alike.
The 2011-12 season was highlighted by eight track records and a 3-percent increase in on-track handle to more than $40 million. Average daily purses increased to $162,320. Bettors heralded the introduction of Trakus, an electronic system which displays the position and location of each horse during a race and provides handicappers with a wealth of valuable information.
December - May
Wednesday, select Thursdays, and Friday - Sunday
Main Track: One mile, oval.
Turf Course: Seven furlongs, with 1/4 mile chute.
12:25pm Eastern
TAM
Exotic
10¢ Superfecta
50¢ Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5 and Trifecta
$1 minimum on all other wagers
Takeout
WPS: 17%
Pick 5: 15%
Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 4, and Super High 5: 18%
Exacta: 20.5%
Trifecta and Superfecta: 25.9%
Mailing Address:
Tampa Bay Downs, Inc.
PO Box 2007
Oldsmar, FL 34677
Street Address:
11225 Race Track Road
Tampa, FL 33626
Website: www.tampabaydowns.com
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