Comprehensive guide to thoroughbred racing venues and racing events throughout West Virginia
Active Race Tracks
Thoroughbred racing venues
Annual Race Days
Combined racing dates
Days Year-Round
Charles Town operates daily
Years of Racing
Operating since 1933
West Virginia maintains a proud horse racing heritage spanning nearly 90 years, with two major thoroughbred racing venues that collectively contribute over $24 million annually to the state's economy and tourism industry. The state's racing infrastructure includes world-class betting facilities, gaming resorts, and premier racing venues that attract horsemen and racing enthusiasts from across the nation.
From the iconic Charles Town Races, America's first winter race meet venue, to the scenic Mountaineer Casino Resort on the Ohio River, West Virginia offers year-round racing opportunities with Grade III stakes races, comprehensive pari-mutuel wagering, and modern simulcast facilities. The racing industry supports hundreds of jobs in training, ownership, veterinary services, and hospitality sectors.
West Virginia's First Race Track: Charles Town Race Track opened December 2, 1933, making it the first horse racing track in West Virginia and the first track to open with a winter racing meet, establishing the state as a pioneer in thoroughbred racing innovation. The track was laid out in 1786 by Charles Washington, the youngest brother of George Washington.
Historic Expansion: In 1937, Wheeling Downs began live racing operations, followed by Waterford Park (now Mountaineer) in 1951, establishing the foundational racing venues that continue today.
Night Racing Innovation: In 1964, Pimlico Race Course operators purchased Charles Town and installed lights for night racing, responding to competition from Shenandoah Downs (1959-1975). After Shenandoah Downs closed in 1975, Charles Town became the focal point for year-round racing operations in the state.
Harness Racing Heritage: Harness racing at the State Fair of West Virginia was one of the most exciting attractions for nearly 100 years, with racing occurring at a half-mile oval racetrack built in 1921. The final harness racing event concluded in 2019.
Location: 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414
Racing Type: Thoroughbred (Dirt Track)
Website: hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com
Established: December 2, 1933 (90+ years of operation)
2024 Racing Schedule: 158 live racing dates (Jan. 3 - Dec. 14)
Race Days: Three to four racing nights per week
About Charles Town: Charles Town Races is America's oldest winter race meet venue and operates 365 days per year. The track was the first to introduce night racing on the East Coast and established the foundation for year-round racing operations in the region. Today, it functions as Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, integrating world-class thoroughbred racing with casino gaming and entertainment.
Major Races:
Facilities & Amenities:
Schedule Break: Racing takes a two-week break after the Charles Town Classic weekend program in late August, with additional closure from December 15-31.
Location: Route 2, New Cumberland/Chester, WV 26034
Racing Type: Thoroughbred (Dirt Track)
Website: cnty.com/mountaineer
Established: 1951 (Originally Waterford Park)
2024 Racing Schedule: 128 live racing dates (April 8 - December 11)
Historic Milestone: First racino in America (first track with slot machines)
About Mountaineer: Located on the beautiful Ohio River in northern West Virginia's Panhandle, Mountaineer Casino Resort is a premier thoroughbred racing venue and first-class resort destination. The complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Originally opened as Waterford Park in 1951, it became the nation's pioneering racino facility by integrating casino gaming with live horse racing.
Major Races:
Facilities & Amenities:
Operating Details: Purse revenue is supported by substantial casino and gaming revenue, allowing Mountaineer to maintain competitive racing purses and attract quality thoroughbreds. The track operates racing primarily from late April through December, providing an extended racing season during optimal weather months.
West Virginia's primary racing discipline features 3-year-old thoroughbreds and older horses competing over various distances from 5 furlongs to 1 1/8 miles. Grade III stakes races like the West Virginia Derby attract quality regional and national competitors. Races are conducted on dirt tracks using traditional jockey-ridden racing format.
Available at: Charles Town Races, Mountaineer Casino Resort
West Virginia had a strong harness racing tradition, particularly at the State Fair of West Virginia, where trotters and pacers competed from 1921 through 2019. Standardbred horses pulled two-wheeled sulkies in thrilling sprint races. While live harness racing has concluded, the heritage remains significant in state racing history.
Historic venue: State Fair of West Virginia (Fairlea)
| Season | Charles Town Races | Mountaineer Park |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Jan-Mar) | Racing 3-4 nights per week | Closed for season |
| Spring (Apr-May) | Racing 3-4 nights per week | Opens April 8 for season |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Racing 3-4 nights per week (2-week break late August) | Peak racing season, major stakes |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Racing resumes, 3-4 nights per week | Racing through December 11 |
| Year-End (Dec) | Closes Dec 15 for holiday break (Reopens Jan 3) | Closes after Dec 11 |
West Virginia's two major racetracks offer comprehensive pari-mutuel wagering on live thoroughbred racing. Bettors place collective pools on horse racing outcomes with winning payouts determined by total amount wagered and number of winners.
While standalone OTB parlors are not available, both racetracks provide extensive simulcast wagering on races from tracks nationwide:
As of 2025, West Virginia became the third state to legalize fixed-odds wagering on horse racing, joining New Jersey and Colorado. This alternative wagering format offers different payout structures and betting mechanics alongside traditional pari-mutuel options.
The West Virginia Racing Commission regulates all horse racing operations, pari-mutuel wagering, and betting activities throughout the state. The Commission oversees regulatory compliance, race scheduling, and conducts drug testing programs to maintain racing integrity.
The state maintains the West Virginia Thoroughbred Development Fund for distribution of restricted and non-restricted purse supplements, with preference given to West Virginia-accredited thoroughbreds. After nearly 15 years without funding, revenue dollars are flowing back into the state's horse and dog racing industries to support breeders and improve racing quality.
Address:
750 Hollywood Drive
Charles Town, WV 25414
Hours:
Closed Monday-Tuesday (Off-track wagering at ESPN BET Sportsbook 11:30 AM - 11 PM)
Racing Wednesday-Sunday (call for exact times)
Parking:
Free parking at East and West Garages
Valet parking: $4 (Mon-Thu), $6 (Fri-Sun)
Admission:
Racing admission varies by event
Check website for current details
Address:
Route 2
New Cumberland, WV 26034
(Chester, WV area)
Hours:
Casino: 24/7 operations
Racing: May through December (specific dates vary)
Parking:
Free on-site parking available
Lodging:
Full-service resort hotel
Golf course, fitness center, dining
Charles Town operates live racing nearly year-round with 158 approved racing dates annually, typically running three to four racing nights per week. The track is closed Monday and Tuesday, but off-track wagering via ESPN BET Sportsbook is available. A two-week break follows the Charles Town Classic in late August, and the venue closes December 15-31 for holiday break. So while not literally open every single day, the facility provides racing and wagering availability on approximately 364+ days yearly.
Horse racing generates significant economic benefits for West Virginia. The two major racetracks contribute over $24 million annually to cities and counties combined, with substantial contributions to the state's Gross Domestic Product. The industry supports hundreds of jobs across training, ownership, veterinary services, farrier work, hospitality, and gaming operations. Racing venues attract tourism revenue through lodging, dining, entertainment, and shopping spending by racing enthusiasts visiting from other regions.
Charles Town Race Track opened December 2, 1933, establishing West Virginia's first horse racing venue and becoming America's first winter race meet. The track was revolutionary in inaugurating winter racing operations. Wheeling Downs began racing in 1937, and Waterford Park (now Mountaineer) opened in 1951. Charles Town's opening marked 90+ years of continuous thoroughbred racing tradition in West Virginia.
West Virginia permits pari-mutuel wagering through licensed advance deposit wagering (ADW) providers, allowing online horse racing betting. Additionally, fixed-odds wagering on horse racing was legalized in 2025, making West Virginia the third state to offer this betting format. Both Charles Town and Mountaineer offer simulcast betting on races from other tracks, available both on-site and at licensed betting establishments. Age requirement: 18 years old for pari-mutuel wagering.
West Virginia hosts several significant stakes races. The West Virginia Derby (Grade III) at Mountaineer, traditionally held the first Saturday in August, is a premier 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-old thoroughbreds with substantial purses. The West Virginia Governor's Stakes (Grade III) runs concurrently at Mountaineer. Charles Town features the Charles Town Classic, Race for the Ribbon, and West Virginia Breeders Classics series. These races attract quality regional and national competitors and showcase West Virginia-bred horses.
Charles Town Races (Hollywood Casino) operates nearly year-round with 158 racing dates from January through December, three to four nights per week, and features simulcast wagering daily. Located in Charles Town in the Eastern Panhandle, it's accessible and open nearly every day. Mountaineer Casino Resort operates seasonally (April 8 through December 11) with 128 racing dates, focusing on summer and fall racing when weather is optimal. Mountaineer, located on the Ohio River near Chester, offers a full resort experience with hotel, golf, and comprehensive gaming. Both venues feature Grade III stakes races and casino gaming.
Harness racing was a major attraction at the State Fair of West Virginia for nearly 100 years, with a half-mile oval racetrack built in 1921 at Fairlea. Standardbred horses competed in trotting and pacing races, with the final live harness race concluding in August 2019. The tradition represented an important chapter in West Virginia racing heritage. Today, West Virginia racing focuses exclusively on thoroughbred racing at Charles Town and Mountaineer, though harness racing regulations remain on state statute for potential future operations.
Admission to live racing events varies by venue and specific racing card. Charles Town Races offers general admission at varying price points depending on the racing program (with some premium events charging higher admission). Mountaineer Casino Resort typically includes racing viewing with casino access. Both venues allow free parking, with Charles Town offering valet options for $4-$6 depending on day of week. Betting minimums start at $2 for standard pari-mutuel wagering. Contact individual venues for specific admission prices for upcoming racing programs.
Late August is ideal for visiting Charles Town during the Charles Town Classic weekend, featuring major stakes racing and full racing programs. August is peak season at Mountaineer for the West Virginia Derby weekend with Grade III championship racing. Summer weekends (June-August) offer consistent racing at both venues with good crowds and pleasant weather. For year-round accessibility, Charles Town operates nearly daily with regular racing programs. Fall racing (September-November) provides continued action with fewer crowds than summer months. Check track websites for race dates and featured racing programs.
Yes, both major West Virginia racetracks offer extensive simulcast wagering on races from tracks nationwide. Charles Town Races operates simulcast facilities open every day of the year, offering betting on thoroughbred and greyhound races from up to 20 different tracks. Mountaineer Casino features an OTB simulcast room available daily from noon to midnight. Simulcast wagering allows bettors to wager on live racing occurring at other tracks in real-time, significantly expanding betting options beyond in-state live racing.
Last updated on November 27, 2025