Florida's Premier Winter Racing Destination
Active Racing Tracks
Annual Stakes Races
Annual Purses
Racing Schedule
Florida has established itself as the premier winter thoroughbred racing destination in the United States. The state boasts world-class facilities, legendary races, and hosts some of the most important thoroughbred events in North America. From the iconic Pegasus World Cup to the historic Florida Derby, Florida's racing scene combines championship-level competition with a rich sporting tradition that spans nearly a century.
Currently, Florida operates three active thoroughbred and quarter horse racing venues, offering year-round racing and wagering opportunities. The state's racing industry generates significant economic impact while maintaining traditions dating back to the 1920s.
Florida's horse racing heritage began in earnest in the 1920s with the establishment of iconic venues. Hialeah Park, originally opened in 1922 by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss and cattleman James H. Bright, formally launched Florida's first thoroughbred racing track on January 25, 1925. The track was reconstructed and officially reopened on January 14, 1932, becoming renowned as "the last word in racetracks and beauty."
Tampa Bay Downs opened in 1926, establishing the western coast's racing tradition. In 1939, Gulfstream Park joined Florida's racing community, initially opening for a four-day meet before financial difficulties forced its closure. The track was revived in the mid-1940s by the Donn family, establishing Gulfstream as Florida's premier winter racing venue.
Throughout the 20th century, Florida racetracks hosted legendary thoroughbreds including Seabiscuit, War Admiral, Citation, Bold Ruler, Northern Dancer, John Henry, and Seattle Slew. Hialeah Park's Flamingo Stakes served as an important Triple Crown stepping stone, producing nine Kentucky Derby winners including Citation (1948), Needles (1956), Carry Back (1961), and Northern Dancer (1964). Citation made history by winning all four races at Hialeah in February 1948 during his Triple Crown-winning season.
Beyond racing venues, Florida has become America's premier thoroughbred breeding center outside Kentucky. Ocala's horse racing tradition dates to the 1940s when Carl G. Rose developed the first Thoroughbred horse farm in Florida, earning recognition as the "Father of the Florida Thoroughbred Industry." Today, Ocala/Marion County hosts 600 thoroughbred horse farms that have produced 45 national champions, six Kentucky Derby winners, 20 Breeders' Cup champions, and six Horses of the Year.
Florida-bred thoroughbreds have dominated racing history: Needles (1956 Kentucky Derby), Foolish Pleasure (1975), Triple Crown winner Affirmed (1978), Unbridled (1990), and Silver Charm (1997) all came from Florida breeding operations. Ocala's unique advantage stems from Florida's subtropical climate, allowing year-round horse training 365 days annually, plus limestone-rich soil that builds strong horse bones.
According to an independent study commissioned by the American Horse Council in 2023, Florida's thoroughbred industry generates a $3.24 billion economy and supports 33,500 Florida jobs. The direct thoroughbred industry impact reaches $1.5 billion with total impact exceeding $2.7 billion to the state. The racing sector specifically contributes $1.16 billion in direct economic impact while supporting more than 23,000 racing-related jobs.
Location: 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Website: www.gulfstreampark.com
Type: Premier Thoroughbred Track
Capacity: 25,000 spectators
Founded: 1939
Gulfstream Park stands as the premier winter racing venue on the East Coast and one of the most important racetracks in the United States. Operating at least 10 months per year, Gulfstream combines championship-level racing with comprehensive entertainment facilities. The Championship Meet runs from Thanksgiving through March, featuring 66 stakes races worth over $15 million in purses annually.
Signature Races:
Historical Significance: Gulfstream hosted the Breeders' Cup World Championships in 1989 and 1992, and became the first racetrack to host the inaugural Pegasus World Cup in 2017 with a record $12 million purse. The Florida Derby has produced 46 starters who won 59 Triple Crown events, including 25 Kentucky Derby winners.
Facilities: Gulfstream features a one-mile synthetic Tapeta track, traditional dirt track, and grass turf surface. The 2014 renovation included expanded casino gaming, upscale dining venues including Texas de Brazil and Ten Palms, casual dining options with Yard House, and a shopping promenade with boutiques, art galleries, home furnishings stores, and specialty shops. The venue provides 130,960 square feet of event space for conferences, weddings, and special racing events. Amenities include free parking, hotel accommodations nearby in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, and a full entertainment complex that operates year-round.
Location: 11225 Race Track Road, Tampa, FL 33626
Website: www.tampabaydowns.com
Type: Thoroughbred Track, West Coast Florida Only
Founded: 1926
Racing Season: November to early May
Tampa Bay Downs holds the distinction of being Florida's oldest continuously operating racetrack and the only thoroughbred racing venue on Florida's west coast. Originally founded as Tampa Downs, it was renamed Sunshine Park in 1946, Florida Downs and Turf Club in 1965, and finally Tampa Bay Downs in 1980.
Historical Notes: Founded by Ohio investor Harvey Myers and Kentucky Colonel Matt J. Winn, the track was used as a U.S. Army training facility during World War II. After a devastating fire destroyed the grandstand in 1968, the facility was reconstructed and reopened on January 17, 1969. Julie Krone, who became the first female jockey to win a thoroughbred Triple Crown race and was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame, earned her first career victory at Tampa Bay Downs on February 12, 1981, riding Lord Farkle.
Track Features: Tampa Bay Downs added a 7/8-mile grass turf course in 1998, complete with a quarter-mile chute, establishing one of the most popular turf courses in North America. The track operates multiple surface types for diverse racing conditions. The addition of the turf course increased turf races from 205 to 243 annually and contributed to higher average field sizes, making Tampa Bay Downs a premier destination for grass racing.
Additional Amenities: Beyond horse racing, Tampa Bay Downs operates The Silks Poker Room featuring 26 tables with Texas Hold'em, No-Limit Hold'em, Omaha and Stud games seven days a week, open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday-Saturday. The facility also includes The Downs Golf Practice Facility with 22 acres, 270 yards of open range, full-size chipping areas, and a putting green—perfect for golf enthusiasts. Dining options range from casual to upscale, with family-friendly picnic areas available between races.
Visitor Information: Gates open at 11:00 am on race days with post time approximately 12:15 pm. The track races most Wednesdays, Fridays, and weekends from late November through early May. Tampa Bay Downs offers promotions including free commemorative calendars to the first 5,000 patrons on select race days.
Location: 2200 E 4th Avenue, Hialeah, FL 33013
Website: hialeahparkcasino.com
Type: Quarter Horse Racing & Casino
Founded: 1922 (Original), Reopened 2009 for Quarter Horse Racing
Hialeah Park holds one of the richest histories in thoroughbred racing. Originally established in 1922 by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss and Missouri cattleman James H. Bright, the Miami Jockey Club formally opened Florida's first thoroughbred track on January 25, 1925. The facility was severely damaged by the 1926 hurricane and was reconstructed and reopened on January 14, 1932 by Philadelphia horseman Joseph E. Widener as "the last word in racetracks and beauty."
Historic Racing Legacy: Hialeah Park made crucial contributions to racing innovation and hosted legendary champions. On January 16, 1936, it became the first thoroughbred racetrack in the world to install a photo-finish camera, revolutionizing race result accuracy. The track hosted multiple Triple Crown winners including Citation, Seabiscuit, War Admiral, Bold Ruler, Northern Dancer, John Henry, and Seattle Slew.
Historic Races:
Modern Operations: After thoroughbred racing ceased in 2001 due to racing date conflicts with Gulfstream Park and Calder Race Course, Hialeah Park transitioned to quarter horse racing. On May 7, 2009, the Florida legislature approved a gaming compact allowing the historic track to operate slot machines and quarter horse races. The facility reopened on November 28, 2009, as the only full-time quarter horse venue in Florida.
Quarter Horse Racing: Hialeah hosts 27 stakes races worth more than $1.2 million annually, including the Hialeah Futurity, a 440-yard contest for 2-year-olds worth $200,000 in added money. The quarter horse racing program features trials and finals races spread over multiple weekends, allowing comprehensive competition for different age groups and classes. The track operates as a modern casino and racing venue while preserving its historic legacy as a National Historic Landmark.
Modern Casino Operations: Following its reopening in 2009, Hialeah Park Casino has become a full-service entertainment destination with gaming, dining, and entertainment options. The facility combines historic racing heritage with contemporary amenities, making it attractive to both horse racing enthusiasts and casual visitors. The property continues to honor Hialeah's legendary status while adapting to modern racing and casino operations.
Thoroughbred racing dominates Florida's racing scene, featuring thoroughbred horses competing in flat racing events ranging from claiming races to prestigious graded stakes. Thoroughbreds are the most valuable racing breed, with roots tracing to 18th-century England.
Venues: Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs
Season: Year-round, with championship meets November-March
Quarter horse racing features shorter sprint races (220-880 yards) with explosive acceleration. Quarter horses are bred for speed over short distances and are known for their powerful builds and quick starts.
Venue: Hialeah Park Casino
Notable Race: Hialeah Futurity ($200,000 purse for 2-year-olds)
Gulfstream Park Championship Meet runs from Thanksgiving Day through March 30, featuring 66 stakes races including 30 graded stakes worth over $15 million in combined purses.
Featured Events:
Gulfstream Park operates at least 10 months per year, providing continuous racing and wagering opportunities throughout the season. Tampa Bay Downs runs from November through early May annually.
Additional Stakes:
Check individual track websites for current racing schedules and upcoming special events.
The Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering regulates all horse racing betting within the state. All wagering must occur at authorized racetracks or licensed off-track betting facilities.
Spectators can wager directly at Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs, and Hialeah Park Casino. On-track betting options include win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, superfecta, and other exotic wagers. Gulfstream Park offers grandstand admission starting at approximately $3, with various clubhouse, dining, reserved, and premium box seating options available at higher prices. All three venues feature modern betting terminals, knowledgeable staff, and comprehensive race information displays to assist both novice and experienced bettors.
Florida permits pari-mutuel facilities throughout the state to provide televised viewing and wagering on races occurring at other venues. Over 20 off-track betting locations operate statewide, covering thoroughbred, quarter horse, greyhound, and jai alai wagering. These facilities offer simulcast access to major racing events from Florida and across North America.
Advance deposit wagering is available through authorized ADW (advance deposit wagering) providers licensed in other states. While Florida has not explicitly regulated online horse racing betting domestically, established ADW platforms offer access to pari-mutuel pools nationwide and serve Florida residents. Check state regulations for current legal status before wagering online.
Gulfstream Park: Open year-round, 365 days annually. Grandstand admission available.
Tampa Bay Downs: Gates open 11:00 am on race days, post time approximately 12:15 pm. Operates November to early May.
Hialeah Park: Check website for current hours and quarter horse racing schedule.
Admission prices vary by track and seating area. Premium seating in clubhouses and box seats commands higher prices than general grandstand admission.
Gulfstream Park: Ample parking with complimentary self-parking lots and valet services at multiple entrances. Full dining (upscale and casual), shopping, casino, and hotel accommodations on-site.
Tampa Bay Downs: Parking available for race attendees. Golf course and poker room on-site.
Hialeah Park: Parking and casino amenities. Check website for details.
Championship Season: Late November through March offers the most competitive racing with graded stakes events and major purses.
Pegasus World Cup: January features Florida's premier race with $3 million purse and international competition.
Florida Derby: March showcase attracts Triple Crown contenders.
Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends, offering a more relaxed experience.
Dress Code: Casual to business casual appropriate. Some premium seating areas may require dressier attire; check with track before visiting.
Dining: Reservations recommended for upscale restaurants at Gulfstream Park.
Planning: Arrive early for popular races. Check race cards and handicapping information before wagering.
Family Friendly: All venues welcome families during daytime racing hours.
Last updated on November 27, 2025