Ohio Horse Racing Tracks and Guide

Ohio Horse Racing Overview

Ohio is a major horse racing state with one of the longest racing traditions in America, dating back to 1832 when the first racetracks were established. The state currently operates seven licensed racing venues offering both thoroughbred and harness racing. Ohio's racing industry generates $1.3 billion in economic impact and supports 17,000 full-time employees across owners, trainers, jockeys, drivers, and racetrack personnel. The state hosts 6,658 Standardbred races annually with $90 million in purses and 2,385 Thoroughbred races with $49 million in purses, demonstrating the significant role racing plays in Ohio's equine economy.

Ohio Horse Racing History

Ohio's horse racing heritage spans nearly 190 years. The first racetracks were established in 1832, with the first thoroughbred race held in 1833. As early as 1827, Water (9th) Street was the popular site for quarter-mile horse races. Later, harness racing moved from Glenville to North Randall in 1909, though its popularity waned until the 1950s revival.

Beulah Park: Ohio's First Thoroughbred Track (1923-2014)

Beulah Park in Grove City was Ohio's first thoroughbred racetrack, opening in 1923 on grounds that had hosted racing since 1895. The track expanded from a half-mile oval (1923) to three-quarters mile (1935) to a full mile (1937). Beulah Park hosted major stakes events including the Wintergreen Handicap, Scarlet & Gray Handicap, Ohio Freshman Stakes, and Edward Babst Memorial Handicap. Peak popularity occurred in the late 1940s through early 1960s, with record attendance of 11,772 on May 15, 1954. The track closed permanently on May 3, 2014, after 91 years of operation. The Beulah Park license relocated to Mahoning Valley Race Course in Youngstown.

Thistledown Race Track: Greater Cleveland's Major Venue (1925-Present)

Thistledown Race Track opened on July 20, 1925, in North Randall, making it Ohio's second thoroughbred racing venue. The track initially faced challenges with legal complications and management disputes, closing in 1926 before reopening under Edward B. Strong's ownership. Until 1933, betting proceeded under the "contribution" system before pari-mutuel wagering was legalized. A devastating fire on October 29, 1944, destroyed the grandstand and clubhouse, forcing temporary closure and delayed reconstruction. The facility survived the Depression and became Greater Cleveland's major running track. Edward DeBartolo purchased the track in 1959 for $5 million, and Harrah's Entertainment acquired it in 2010 for $43 million. Today, Jack Thistledown Racino continues live thoroughbred racing from April through fall, featuring the prestigious Ohio Derby (Grade III stakes race for 3-year-olds) that has been held since 1924.

Northfield Park: Harness Racing Leader (1957-Present)

Northfield Park opened in 1957 on the southern edge of Cuyahoga County, becoming one of the nation's premier harness racing facilities. The track operates practically year-round with over 200 harness racing nights annually, making it Ohio's most popular racetrack by betting handle, with over $33 million in total handle in 2022. MGM Northfield Park hosts major stakes events including the Miller Lite Cleveland Classic, the Courageous Lady, and the prestigious Battle of Lake Erie for pacers.

Scioto Downs: Ohio's First Racino (1959-Present)

Scioto Downs opened in 1959 as a harness racing facility. In 2012, it became Ohio's first racino (racetrack casino) when video lottery terminals were legalized. The facility hosts 90 harness racing days annually (May-September) and operates a year-round simulcast room with extensive wagering options on tracks nationwide.

River Downs / Belterra Park: Cincinnati's Racing Legacy (1925-Present)

River Downs opened in Cincinnati in 1925 as the Coney Island Race Track, representing Ohio's long racing tradition. The track survived the devastating Cincinnati flood of 1937 and reopened under the name "River Downs." Famous horses including Seabiscuit raced there in 1936, and in 1976, apprentice jockey Steve Cauthen won his first race at River Downs, launching a Hall of Fame career. Spend A Buck, winner of the 1985 Kentucky Derby, won his first stakes race at River Downs (Miller Genuine Draft Cradle Stakes in 1984). Pinnacle Entertainment acquired the track in 2011, renamed it Belterra Park in 2013, and continues operating approximately 90 racing days with modern betting facilities.

Ohio Active Horse Racing Tracks

Types of Horse Racing in Ohio

Ohio Horse Racing Betting & Regulations

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing has been legal in Ohio since 1933. The pari-mutuel method pools all bets on races, with winning bets sharing the total pool minus the track's commission. Both live and simulcast wagering are available at licensed racetracks.

Age Requirements

The legal age for pari-mutuel horse racing wagering in Ohio is 18 years old. This is lower than casino gambling (21) or sports betting (21), making horse racing one of the most accessible wagering activities in the state.

Ohio Horse Racing Industry & Economic Impact

Regulatory Oversight

The Ohio State Racing Commission oversees all horse racing activities, including licensing of facilities, personnel, and pari-mutuel systems. The Commission ensures fair competition, maintains industry standards, and distributes racing dates to all licensed venues. As of 2023, Ohio licensed 7+ racing venues representing a diverse mix of thoroughbred and harness racing operations serving different regions of the state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Horse Racing

Related Resources

• USA Horse Racing Tracks Directory - Complete guide to racetracks across all 50 states
• Ohio State Racing Commission - Official state racing regulator
• Jack Thistledown Racino - Cleveland thoroughbred racing venue
• MGM Northfield Park - Cleveland harness racing leader
• Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs - Columbus harness racing and gaming
• Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley - Youngstown thoroughbred racing
• Belterra Park - Cincinnati thoroughbred racing venue