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Jewel of Florida's West Coast!
Tampa Bay Downs racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racecourse in Tampa , Florida. It holds live horse racing from December to May each year. It is the only thoroughbred racecourse on the West Coast of Florida.
Among the important stakes events run at Tampa Bay Downs racecourse are the following:
- Endeavour Breeders' Cup Stakes
- Florida Oaks
- Tampa Bay Derby
- Hillsborough Stakes
Tampa Bay Downs Racecourse also holds the ungraded Sam F. Davis Stakes which is now an official prep race for the Kentucky Derby.
Tampa Bay Downs Racecourse Description
The Main Track at Tampa Bay Downs racecourse is a one mile dirt oval.
Meanwhile, the turf course is seven furlongs and includes a quarter mile inner chute.
Tampa bay Downs Racecourse History
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In 1926, what is now Tampa Bay Downs racecourse first opened under the name of Tampa Downs. The founding operation was headed by Ohio investor Harvey Mayers and Kentucky Colonel Matt J. Winn.
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In 1943, the US Army took over the racecourse for use as a training facility.
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In 1946, the racecourse was renamed Sunshine Park.
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In 1965, the racecourse was renamed Florida Downs.
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In 1980, the racecourse returned to its original name of Tampa Downs.
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In 1986, Stella Thayer gained ownership over the racecourse and it became known as Tampa Bay Downs.
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In 1998, the 7/8 th mile turf track was added.
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