How Big Is Horse Racing In Florida: Best Racetracks and Events In The State

Horse racing is one of the world’s best-spectated sports, with hundreds of thousands of fans taking in live action across the United States throughout the year. With warm climates throughout the year, it is little surprise that Florida is one of the most popular states in the United States regarding regular high attendance. Some of the biggest events on the calendar typically break records throughout the season. 

 

But what are some of the most famous tracks in the state, and what are the biggest racedays held in Florida on an annual basis?

 

Gulfstream Park

 

The most famous racecourse in Florida comes in the form of Gulfstream Park. This track is located in Hallandale Beach, and it is owned and operated by The Stronach Group. Gulfstream Park is one of the most important venues in the United States for racing action, with visitors welcome to attend on all 365 days throughout the season. 

 

It was first opened in 1939, and races are run here on dirt, turf, and tapeta. The biggest changes to the track were made in 2004 following renovation work, which expanded the dirt and turf courses. Further work was completed at the track in 2021, with a tapeta track also added. 

 

It remains one of the most sustainable racecourses in the United States, with the biggest days on the calendar typically attracting record-breaking numbers. Meanwhile, it is regarded as one of the best tracks in the U.S. after hosting the Breeders’ Cup on two previous occasions. 

 

Tampa Bay Downs

 

Tampa Bay Downs is the second premier track in the state of Florida. It opened for the first time in 1926 and is located in Oldsmar. When it opened, it was known as Tampa Downs, and it has also been called Sunshine Park, Florida Downs, and Turf Club throughout its esteemed history. 

 

Racing at Tampa Bay Downs is staged between November and the start of May, with on-track action typically taking place on most Wednesdays, Fridays, and weekends during that period. The turf course at Tampa Bay Downs is run over seven furlongs and has a ¼ mile inner chute. 

 

Many believe that the turf course is one of the best in the United States. The track has also worked tirelessly throughout history in order to improve its climate output, with Cree LED lighting systems used in the grandstand and clubhouse. 

 

Tampa Bay Derby

 

The most prestigious race to be staged at Tampa Bay Downs is the Tampa Bay Derby. This race is a Grade 3 affair, with a purse of $300,000 typically on offer. It is one of the key prep trials for the Kentucky Derby, with Street Sense becoming the first runner in the race to land victory in the Triple Crown opener in 2007. 

 

You can find more info about the prep races here: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/road-to-the-derby/ 

 

Super Saver would become the second runner to come out of the race to land Derby victory in 2010. Domestic Product won the Tampa Bay Derby in 2024 for trainer Chad Brown.

 

Hillsborough Stakes

 

One of the most prestigious races of the season at Tampa Bay Downs is the Hillsborough Stakes, which is a Grade Two contest for fillies and mares aged four and older. This race is run on the turf, and there have been some famous winners of the race since its inception in 1999. 

 

The most prominent remains Zagora, who landed victory in this race before later claiming success in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Chad Brown has been the dominant trainer in the race, landing victories on six occasions since 2012.

 

Florida Derby

 

One of the key Derby preps takes place at Gulfstream Park in the form of the Florida Derby. This race has been staged annually since 1952, with the field of runners aged three competing over 1 1/8 miles. 

 

A purse of $1 million is made available to runners involved in this race. It has been a hugely successful race in terms of producing Triple Crown winners, with 21 previous winners having landed success in at least one Triple Crown race. Fierceness will be looking to improve that record after landing victory in 2024. 

 

Pegasus World Cup

 

The first big Grade One at the start of every season in the United States takes place at Gulfstream Park, with the Pegasus World Cup taking place every January. 

 

This race is run over 1 1/8 miles, with the runners on the dirt competing for their share of the $3 million purse. It has been a Grade One contest throughout history, with famous winners including Arrogate, Knicks Go, and Life Is Good.