TAMPA BAY DOWNS - LIVE HORSE RACING EVERY WED, FRI, SAT, AND SUN
https://www.tampabaydowns.com/racing
WHAT TIME IS THE FIRST RACE AT TAMPA BAY DOWNS?
Gates open at 11:00 a.m. and post time for the first race is 12:15 p.m., unless otherwise noted. General admission is $3.00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and
free on Wednesdays. General parking is free every day.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Most simply, expect an action-packed day infused with unparalleled excitement. … filled with colorful sights, traditional sounds and indescribable feelings that only live Thoroughbred racing can create.
A race day usually consists of 8-10 races, all set at different distances and different skill levels—with between 6-12 different horses in each race (approximately 100+ horses you will see run in a single day).
The horses in each race will walk with their groom from the barn area on the backside of our racetrack, walking by the Clubhouse and the Grandstand on their way to the Saddling Paddock. Once they enter the Saddling Paddock, each horse will be identified and then saddled by their trainers in the Saddling Stalls. The horses will then be taken out to the Walking Ring—where visitors/bettors can get the best look at the horses, as their jockeys connect with their mounts.
You will hear the sounds of a bugle play the traditional “Call to the Post” as the horses file onto the track in the Post Parade. Once you get the chance to check out all of the horses, head over to the betting windows to place your bets—all wagers must be placed before the race begins.
With a race every 20-25 minutes, the action arrives fast and furious.
We are a family-friendly track and welcome kids of all ages to join in on cheering for their favorite horses and jockeys!
Here's a simplified explanation of how betting on horses works:
- Straight bet: A straight bet means you pick a horse you think will win the race. If your horse wins, you win your bet.
- Exacta: An exacta bet means you pick two horses, and you win if they finish first and second in the exact order that you picked them.
- Trifecta: A trifecta bet means you pick three horses, and you win if they finish first, second, and third in the exact order that you picked them.
- Boxed bet: A boxed bet means you pick a group of horses and you win if any of the horses you picked finish first, second, or third. It doesn't matter what order they finish in.
- Show bet: A show bet means you pick a horse you think will come in first, second, or third place. If your horse comes in any of those three places, you win your bet.
DIRECTIONS
Driving Directions to Tampa Bay Downs
From I-275:
Take the Tampa Airport exit. Follow signs to Veterans Expressway. Take Expressway to exit # 4 (Hillsborough Avenue). Turn west on Hillsborough, travel 6 miles to Race Track Road. Make right on Race Track Road, then 1 mile to Tampa Bay Downs.
From Pinellas County:
On U.S. 19, go to the intersection with State Road 580 at Countryside Mall. Travel east on 580 about 6 miles to stoplight at Race Track Road. Turn left on Race Track Road, then 1 mile to Tampa Bay Downs.
From St. Petersburg:
Take the Bayside Bridge north to McMullen Booth Road and go east on State Road 580 about 4 miles to the stoplight at Race Track Road. Go left on Race Track Road, then 1 mile to Tampa Bay Downs.
From Pasco County:
On U.S. 19, go to the intersection with Tampa Road (State Road 584). Go east on Tampa Road about 7 miles to the stoplight at Race Track Road and turn left on Race Track Road. Drive 1 mile to Tampa Bay Downs.
From New Tampa:
Travel west on Bearss Avenue. Bearss Avenue turns into Ehrlich Road after Dale Mabry Highway.
Proceed forward to the T-junction and turn left onto Sheldon Road (going southbound), then turn right onto Linebaugh Avenue. Travel west on Linebaugh for approximately 9 miles, make a left onto Race Track Road and proceed to the track.
