 DOVER
DOWNS
 Dover Downs is a harness racing track located within the city limits of Dover,
Delaware, on the east side of Route 13 (Du Pont Highway). The harness racing
events are actually held on the infield of the Dover International Speedway,
a one-mile concrete, banked oval track that NASCAR fans have nicknamed “The
Monster Mile”.
Dover Downs has hosted harness racing events since its inception in 1969.
Live harness races are simulcast to tracks and other off-track betting (OTB)
locations across North America on each of the company's more than 140 live
race dates. The track is adjacent to its company's casino and hotel and conference
center.
A typical harness racing season at Dover Downs begins in November and ends
in April. Post times are usually 4:30 or 5:30 p.m.
The Progress Pace is Dover Downs’ signature event. It began in 1996
and during its first seven races, most of the top sophomore pacers in the sport
have participated. Aside from the Progress Pace, other stakes events regularly
held at Dover Downs include the Matron Series, the Classic Series and the Delaware
Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF).
Dover Downs Track Facts
| • Track
Opened |
: |
November
10, 1969 |
| • Speed
Rating |
: |
1:594 |
| • Length
of Homestretch |
: |
500' |
| • Width
of Homestretch |
: |
60' |
| • Starters
Behind the Gate |
: |
8 |
| • Hubrail? |
: |
No |
| • "Open" Stretch? |
: |
Yes |
| • Lighted
at night? |
: |
Yes |
| • General
Admission |
: |
Free |
| • Clubhouse
Admission |
: |
Free |
| • General
Parking |
: |
Free |
| • Grandstand
Capacity |
: |
4,200 |
| • Clubhouse
Capacity |
: |
400 |
| • Parking
Capacity |
: |
12,000 |
Record Business
| • Handle |
: |
$1,227,207
- January 30, 2001 |
| • Attendance |
: |
5,971 - February
4, 1973 |
History of Dover Downs
1969
- Dover Downs race track opened on November 10.
Dover Downs
Dover, Delaware
1995
- Slots were introduced at Dover Downs.
2002
- The auto racing segment of the business was spun off and became Dover
Motorsports, Inc. The “Dover Downs” name, however, was retained
by the harness racing company. Together, the harness track, the hotel and
the casino gaming business formed the core of Dover Downs Gaming and Entertainment,
Inc.
|
