Delaware Park

Delaware Park is a thoroughbred racing facility in Wilmington, Delaware with two tracks. Its meet normally starts in late April and, save for a few dark days, continues through November.

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Delaware Park is one of the most important race tracks in the Delaware Valley area and as a testament, is host to many significant stakes events including the Delaware Handicap, the Delaware Oaks, the Light Hearted Handicap and the Endine Handicap.

Delaware Park Track Facts

Track Data

One mile oval with six furlong and 1 1/4 mile chutes. Length of stretch from last turn to finish line is 995 feet. Main track is 100 feet wide with Fontana Safety Rail.
Turf Course is seven furlongs inside the main track

Paddock & Walking Ring

The signature track feature is a cedar wood paddock and large walking ring in a hedged park. It can be viewed through the grove area and terraces off each clubhouse level.

Track Records

Main Track

DIST	HORSE	AGE	WGT	DATE	TIME
2 Furlongs	Glitter River	6	125	Sep. 5, 2000	:21.60
4 1/2 Furlongs	Erlton	2	115	May 5, 1998	:51.80
5 Furlongs	Milky Way Gal	5	116	Jul. 29, 1989	:56.20
5 1/2 Furlongs	Dontcloseyoureyes	4	122	Oct. 14, 1990	1:03
6 Furlongs	Damitrius	5	115	Sep. 2, 1980	1:08.20
1 Mile	Ashlar	4	117	Jun. 25, 1960	1:35.20
1 Mile 70 yds	Distinct Vision	3	115	Aug. 25, 2003	1:39.20
1 1/16 Miles	Lies of Omission	6	122	July 4, 1998	1:41.20
1 1/8 Miles	Victoria Park	3	122	Jun. 18, 1960	1:47.40
1 3/16 Miles	Gold Star Deputy	5	114	Oct. 31, 1999	1:56.72
1 1/4 Miles	Coup de Fusil	4	114	Jul. 25, 1987	1:59.80
1 1/2 Miles	Bam	5	115	Jun. 26, 1948	2:31
1 5/8 Miles	Flying Restina Run	5	121	Sep. 4, 2000	2:45.40
1 3/4 Miles	Cer Vantes	6	118	Jun. 27, 1951	2:56.40
2 Miles	Dixies Act	5	118	Aug. 10, 1975	3:29.40
2 Miles 70 yds	Wolfe Tone	6	114	Nov. 7, 1993	3:34
2 1/4 Miles	Sanguine Sword	8	114	Jul. 2, 1986	3:58.60

Turf

DIST	HORSE	AGE	WGT	DATE	TIME
5 Furlongs	Mujado	4	116	Jul. 27, 2002	:56.16
1 Mile	Hanover Hollywood	5	118	Aug. 3, 2002	1:34.74
1 1/16 Miles	Charablanc	5	108	Jul. 20, 1963	1:40.20
1 1/8 Miles	Foufa's Warrior	3	115	Jul. 20, 2003	1:47:44
1 3/8 Miles	Cool Prince	5	114	Jul. 3, 1965	2:12.40
1 1/2 Miles	Revved Up	5	116	Jul. 20, 2003	2:26:46
1 7/8 Miles	El Moro	8	116	Jul. 22, 1963	3:11.80
2 Miles	Verdance	4	113	Sep. 21, 1986	3:24.40
2 3/8 Miles	Lively London	5	113	Jul. 25, 1986	4:09
2 7/8 Miles	Call Louis	4	107	Aug. 24, 1986	5:08.20

Steeplechase

DIST	HORSE	AGE	WGT	DATE	TIME
2 Miles	Devil's Path	4	116	Jul. 27, 2002	:56.16
2 1/4 Miles	Fabulous Time	5	118	Aug. 3, 2002	1:34.74
Abt. 2 Miles	Balenchin	5	108	Jul. 20, 1963	1:40.20
Abt. 2 1/4 Miles	Thrice Worthy	3	115	Jul. 20, 2003	1:47:44

History of Delaware Park

In 1933, legislation was passed to create the Delaware Racing Commission. The state decided to move forward with the legalization of racing as the Great Depression took its toll on the state's finances. Conservatives had traditionally fought the establishment of horse racing in the state.
In 1935, the Delaware Racing Commission was given the power to grant licenses for the selling of pools by pari-mutuel machines and to receive wagers within the limits of the law.
In 1936, a group of businessmen that included William DuPont, Jr. met with the Commission to lay the groundwork for the promotion of the breeding of thoroughbred horses and the establishment of a race track. The businessmen purchased a large tract of land in Stanton and began to build a racing facility.
On June 26, 1937, Delaware Park opened its doors to the general public. The original facilities consisted of an open-air, 7,500 seat grandstand with a tiered Clubhouse/Turf Club on the upper level. The track itself was a one-mile dirt oval with a pair of steeplechase turf courses. The backstretch contained stables for 1,226 horses.
Horse racing flourished in Delaware Park throughout the next several years, though it was forced to close briefly in 1943 during World War II. In 1944, the track reopened.
In 1958, a $2.8 million expansion was undertaken. Included in the expansion was the building of a new clubhouse and the enlargement of the grandstand.
In the 1960s, Delaware Park became a haven for summer racing fans in the Mid-Atlantic region. Visitors came from Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York.
In the 1970's the expansion of racing dates at Garden State Park, Atlantic City Racecourse and at the other New York and Maryland tracks reduced Delaware Park's pull. In addition, each state formed its own racing circuit and as a result, many fans from adjoining states no longer went to Delaware Park.
In September 1982, Delaware Park closed its doors due to financial difficulties.
In the spring of 1984, the track reopened under a new owner.
A 1985 season was held and brought moderate success to Delaware Park with a $522,134 daily average handle. That year over $1 million was wagered by simulcast on Kentucky Derby day from Delaware Park.
Over the next several years, Delaware Park was quite successful in meeting an onslaught of competition from neighboring states.
On December 29, 1995, Delaware Park opened a slots facility which further expanded the Park's onsite attractions.

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