Horse Racing Venues in North America

[Jay Trotter]

I've always found the sound of a race track's name to be somewhat romantic, especially if it rolled off the tongue of some character with an infinite understanding of the game, including its deep roots and vibrant history, both triumphant and tragic. Names like Bowie, Hialeah and Jamaica never needed to be identified by their full monikers, you just knew they were thoroughbred race tracks.

With that in mind, I thought it would be interesting to create a thread where we could reminisce about some of the old tracks we grew up with, as well as the ones that came before. Tell us about your home track and the history of how it came to be. Tell us about your favorite track. Is it still in operation? Did it become a shopping mall or a housing development? Is it still operating today?

I'll start with my home track, Assiniboia Downs, which was spawned from the old Polo Park Racetrack, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.



The Polo Park Racetrack was a Canadian horse racing facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Considered one of the finest racetracks in Western Canada, it was built by Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee James R. Speers. The six furlong track opened in 1925 under the charter of the Winnipeg Jockey Club and the charter of St. Vital Agricultural Society in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

At the same time, James Speers founded the Prairie Thoroughbred Breeders' Association to promote a breeding industry in Western Canada. In 1930 he created the Canadian Derby, a premier race for Canadian-bred three-year old Thoroughbreds hosted by Polo Park Racetrack until its closure in 1956.

James Speers acquired land to build what would become Assiniboia Downs and granted an option on the Polo Park lands to real estate developers. The old Polo Park Racetrack is now a shopping mall known as “Polo Park”. Speers died in July 1955 and Polo Park Racetrack closed at the end of the 1956 racing season. The following year Winnipeg did not have a racing meet but Assiniboia Downs opened in June 1958 and racing continued.



Assiniboia Downs is a Canadian horse race track in Winnipeg, Manitoba which opened in June 1958 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It was built outside the city limits to make way for the development of a shopping mall on the grounds of the Polo Park Racetrack. The main track is a six and one half furlong oval. Assiniboia Downs celebrated its 50th year anniversary in 2008.





The List

Polo Park Racetrack - Winnipeg, MB 1925-1956
Assiniboia Downs - Winnipeg, MB 1958-Present

[dylbert]

Here is link to official Louisiana Downs Track History: http://www.harrahslouisianadowns.com/casinos/harrahs-louisiana-downs/casino-misc/racetrack-track-history.html

And here is Rest of the Story (as I recall it) --

Louisiana Downs was originally planned as thoroughbred track to be located in western Caddo Parish near Texas state line. This was opposed by political, civic, and religious groups who did not want pari-mutuel gaming in their community. This led to Plan B, or as I call it Plan Bossier. Build new plant in Bossier City with support of city and parish. Louisiana Downs has provided millions of dollars in revenue to Bossier City, Bossier Parish, and Bossier Parish School Board.

Track developer, Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr., was very much dedicated to his racetrack properties. Unfortunately, his heirs focused on San Francisco 49ers football franchise. Later, his son, Eddie Jr., became involved in riverboat gaming license scandal that resulted in his losing control of 49ers, a substantial fine, and prison term for former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards who had solicited bribe from DeBartolo, Jr.

LaD languished for many years and gained some renewal under ownership of Harrah's Entertainment. Today, Louisiana Downs is racino with both thoroughbred & quarter horse racing, OTB, slots, food and entertainment. It is again a fun place to watch live racing. Its OTB could use upgrade as it mostly appeals to low-dollar betting clients.

Over years, the physical plant has undergone numerous changes. In 1980s, a turf course was added when spring-summer-fall dates became normal race calendar. The once cavernous ground floor has been sliced by half (I do not know what walled off space is used for). Second-floor grandstand has been converted for more OTB space and added bars and restaurants. Third-floor clubhouse remains largely unchanged with its minor alterations. Fourth-floor penthouse, once opulent with few rivals anywhere, is more casual today. Penthouse suites and buffet still exist, but glamour, style and formality have departed.

During college years 1974-1978, my friends and I spent many an afternoon playing the ponies at old L-A-D. I moved away in 1980s and lost interest in horse racing except for Triple Crown and an occasional televised race. In 2004, I was spending more weekends in northwest Louisiana after my dad's death as I assisted my mother with various tasks. I decided on a July Wednesday afternoon to go purchase next day's racing form and go play Thursday's live LaD card and Belmont Park simulcast races. I had most profitable afternoon in my entire life! I cashed nice trifecta from Bel and cold $1 superfecta in LaD nightcap. I returned Friday with similar success plus $250 win from Deuces Wild video poker!

I returned home, got out some old handicapping books, and started surfing internet for more information. Ultimately, I have joined and participated in PA and Derby Trail forums, and secured some very fun & profitable friendships. This past year I meet members at both Louisiana Derby and Super Derby which made day at the race even more enjoyable.

In closing, I still love live racing best. My favorites are LaD, Fair Grounds and Delta Downs. All three of these tracks offer great product and have fan friendly personnel. Yes, I have omitted Evangeline Downs. My last trip there was for Kentucky Derby day. Indifferent staff, unsupervised children, bad food, and dirty restrooms left very bad impression with me. Also, EvD is only track that charges full $6 price for Daily Racing Form.

And, I still consider Louisiana Downs as my hometown track. Also, LaD is located so that it should remain racetrack for many, many years.

[thespaah]

I've always found the sound of a race track's name to be somewhat romantic, especially if it rolled off the tongue of some character with an infinite understanding of the game, including its deep roots and vibrant history, both triumphant and tragic. Names like Bowie, Hialeah and Jamaica never needed to be identified by their full monikers, you just knew they were thoroughbred race tracks.

With that in mind, I thought it would be interesting to create a thread where we could reminisce about some of the old tracks we grew up with, as well as the ones that came before. Tell us about your home track and the history of how it came to be. Tell us about your favorite track. Is it still in operation? Did it become a shopping mall or a housing development? Is it still operating today?

I'll start with my home track, Assiniboia Downs, which was spawned from the old Polo Park Racetrack, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.



The Polo Park Racetrack was a Canadian horse racing facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Considered one of the finest racetracks in Western Canada, it was built by Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee James R. Speers. The six furlong track opened in 1925 under the charter of the Winnipeg Jockey Club and the charter of St. Vital Agricultural Society in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

At the same time, James Speers founded the Prairie Thoroughbred Breeders' Association to promote a breeding industry in Western Canada. In 1930 he created the Canadian Derby, a premier race for Canadian-bred three-year old Thoroughbreds hosted by Polo Park Racetrack until its closure in 1956.

James Speers acquired land to build what would become Assiniboia Downs and granted an option on the Polo Park lands to real estate developers. The old Polo Park Racetrack is now a shopping mall known as “Polo Park”. Speers died in July 1955 and Polo Park Racetrack closed at the end of the 1956 racing season. The following year Winnipeg did not have a racing meet but Assiniboia Downs opened in June 1958 and racing continued.



Assiniboia Downs is a Canadian horse race track in Winnipeg, Manitoba which opened in June 1958 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It was built outside the city limits to make way for the development of a shopping mall on the grounds of the Polo Park Racetrack. The main track is a six and one half furlong oval. Assiniboia Downs celebrated its 50th year anniversary in 2008.





The List

Polo Park Racetrack - Winnipeg, MB 1925-1956
Assiniboia Downs - Winnipeg, MB 1958-Present
One of my favorite race track names frm the past was Narragansett Park .
http://www.intothesunstudio.com/narragansettpark/history.html

[SMOO]

On a related note, Hazel Park was built on top of a garbage dump...

[point given]

The SPA . ........ History, what history :)

[BombsAway Bob]

"ROCK" & Suffolk both have names that stand alone after decades of flats & harness racing.
They are the only remaining survivors of New England Racing :jump:
http://www.rockinghampark.com/history.html
http://www.suffolkdowns.com/history.html