Jewel of Florida's West Coast!

Tampa Bay Downs race track is a thoroughbred horse race track in Tampa, Florida. It holds live horse racing from December to May each year. It is the only thoroughbred race track on the West Coast of Florida.

Among the important stakes events run at Tampa Bay Downs race track are the following:

• Endeavour Breeders' Cup Stakes

• Florida Oaks

• Tampa Bay Derby

• Hillsborough Stakes

Tampa Bay Downs Race Track also holds the ungraded Sam F. Davis Stakes which is now an official prep race for the Kentucky Derby.

Tampa Bay Downs Track Description

The Main Track at Tampa Bay Downs race track is a one mile dirt oval.

Meanwhile, the turf course is seven furlongs and includes a quarter mile inner chute.

Tampa bay Downs Race Track History

• In 1926, what is now Tampa Bay Downs race track first opened under the name of Tampa Downs. The founding operation was headed by Ohio investor Harvey Mayers and Kentucky Colonel Matt J. Winn .

• In 1943, the US Army took over the race track for use as a training facility.

• In 1946, the race track was renamed Sunshine Park .

• In 1965, the race track was renamed Florida Downs.

• In 1980, the race track returned to its original name of Tampa Downs.

• In 1986, Stella Thayer gained ownership over the race track and it became known as Tampa Bay Downs.

• In 1998, the 7/8 th mile turf track was added.