Horse racing is a popular sport in Florida, with several tracks operating throughout the state. The most notable tracks include Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Tampa Bay Downs in Tampa, and Calder Race Course in Miami Gardens. Horse racing season in Florida typically runs from October to May, with races held on a regular basis at each track. In addition to the traditional races, Florida also hosts a number of special events and stakes races, such as the Pegasus World Cup and the Florida Derby. Horse racing enthusiasts in Florida can enjoy a wide variety of options, from simulcasting to live racing, making it a popular pastime for many residents and visitors alike.
Florida’s Horse Racing History
Florida has a long and vibrant horse racing history dating back to the 19th century. The state’s first racetrack, the Jacksonville Race Course, opened in 1870. Over the years, numerous other racetracks have sprung up throughout Florida, including some of the most iconic venues in the sport.
Horse racing in Florida is regulated by the state’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering. The division oversees all aspects of the industry, from licensing and track safety to wagering and revenue distribution.
Florida’s horse racing industry generates significant revenue for the state. In 2021, the industry contributed over $1 billion to the state’s economy.
Florida’s Racetracks
- Calder Race Course
- Gulfstream Park
- Hialeah Park
- Oaklawn Park
- Tampa Bay Downs
Major Races in Florida
Florida hosts several major horse races each year, including the Florida Derby, the Pegasus World Cup, and the Breeders’ Cup. These races attract some of the best horses in the world and offer huge purses.
| Race | Purse |
|---|---|
| Florida Derby | $1 million |
| Pegasus World Cup | $3 million |
| Breeders’ Cup |
Major Tracks and Events
There are several major horse racing tracks and events in Florida. Here are a few notable ones:
- Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach is one of the most popular tracks in the state, hosting races year-round.
- Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar is another major track, known for its stakes races during the winter months.
- Calder Race Course in Miami Gardens is a long-standing track that primarily hosts simulcast races.
- Hialeah Park Racetrack in Hialeah is a historical track that has been closed for racing since 2020.
| Track | Location | Races |
|---|---|---|
| Gulfstream Park | Hallandale Beach | Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse |
| Tampa Bay Downs | Oldsmar | Thoroughbred |
| Calder Race Course | Miami Gardens | Simulcasts |
| Hialeah Park Racetrack | Hialeah | Closed |
Florida also hosts several major horse racing events, including:
- Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park (Grade 1 stakes race for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds)
- Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park (Grade 3 stakes race for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds)
- Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs (Grade 3 stakes race for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds)
- Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs (Grade 2 stakes race for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds)
Breeder Incentives and Programs
Florida offers a variety of incentives and programs to encourage horse breeding and racing within the state.
- Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA): The FTBOA offers a range of programs to support breeders and owners, including:
- Florida Sire Stakes: A series of races for Florida-bred horses with purses totaling over $1 million annually.
- Florida Stallion Stakes: A series of races for horses sired by Florida-based stallions with purses totaling over $500,000 annually.
- Florida Owners’ Breeders’ Awards: A program that provides bonuses to owners of Florida-bred horses who race in Florida.
- Florida Quarter Horse Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FQHBOA): The FQHBOA offers similar programs to support Quarter Horse breeders and owners, including:
- Florida Quarter Horse Sire Stakes: A series of races for Florida-bred Quarter Horses with purses totaling over $200,000 annually.
- Florida Quarter Horse Breeders’ Championship: A series of races for Florida-bred Quarter Horses with purses totaling over $100,000 annually.
| Program | Eligibility | Purses |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Sire Stakes | Florida-bred Thoroughbreds | Over $1 million annually |
| Florida Stallion Stakes | Horses sired by Florida-based stallions | Over $500,000 annually |
| Florida Owners’ Breeders’ Awards | Owners of Florida-bred horses who race in Florida | Varies |
| Florida Quarter Horse Sire Stakes | Florida-bred Quarter Horses | Over $200,000 annually |
| Florida Quarter Horse Breeders’ Championship | Florida-bred Quarter Horses | Over $100,000 annually |
Florida Horse Racing: A Thrilling Experience
Florida offers an exciting horse racing scene, providing enthusiasts with various tracks, simulcast options, and betting opportunities.
Live Horse Racing Tracks
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Gulfstream Park: A world-renowned track in Hallandale Beach, known for hosting major races like the Pegasus World Cup.
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Tampa Bay Downs: Located in Oldsmar, it features thoroughbred and quarter horse racing from December to May.
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Calder Casino & Race Course: In Miami Gardens, it offers simulcasting and live races on select days.
Simulcast and Betting Options
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Simulcast Racing: Bettors can wager on races broadcast live from other tracks across the country and even internationally.
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Online Betting: Several licensed providers allow players to place bets online from the comfort of their homes.
Types of Bets
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Win: Bet on the horse to finish first.
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Place: Bet on the horse to finish first or second.
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Show: Bet on the horse to finish in the top three.
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- Exacta: Bet on the horses to finish first and second in exact order.
- Trifecta: Bet on the horses to finish first, second, and third in exact order.
- Superfecta: Bet on the horses to finish first, second, third, and fourth in exact order.
| Track | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Gulfstream Park | $2 | $100,000 |
| Tampa Bay Downs | $1 | $50,000 |
| Calder Casino & Race Course | $2 | $20,000 |
Remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the thrilling experience of horse racing in Florida!
Well folks, that’s all the horse racing tracks in Florida that we could cram into this article. Hope it’s been helpful! If you’re planning a trip to the Sunshine State and you’re a fan of the ponies, be sure to check out one of these tracks. You’re sure to have a great time. And thanks for reading! Be sure to come back and visit us again soon for more horse racing news and updates.