Gulfstream Park Horse Racing Track in Florida

When Gulfstream Park opened with a fantastic four-day meeting, it drew a crowd of some 18,000 people. Right from the start it was clear that the track was going to be well-supported and over the years things just kept getting better. In 1946 the Gulfstream Park Handicap was introduced with great success, and just six years later in 1952, the Florida Derby was run for the first time. That too proved to be a hugely successful event and continues to draw large crowds. In that same year the clubhouse was built and the initial grandstand seating was expanded, allowing for more spectators and providing better facilities. In 1961, a totalisator board was installed on the infield and in 1982, the Grandstand and clubhouse were renovated with new architecture. The renovations included the new Gulfdome – a beautiful, domed dining terrace which still provides the perfect setting for a meal today. 1989 was another big year for Gulfstream Park, as it was in this year that the racetrack hosted the sixth Breeders Cup. The last major renovations took place in 2004 and the grandstand and clubhouse were once again upgraded. Slot machines have since been installed and the track has come to take on the elegant and stately appearance that it has today.

The racetrack Gulfstream Park features a 1 1/8 mile dirt oval with a one-mile chute. There is also an inner turf track which measures one mile in length. Races generally take place between January and April each year and the track can currently seat more than 16,600 spectators. When racing season is over at the track, the fun continues. The racetrack is often used as a venue for live concerts which take place on the grounds outside the grandstand. Bookings for these concerts can be made in advance and are popular with both young and old.

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