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By THERESA WILLINGHAM
Published January 28, 2005
tbt* files
You don’t have to play the ponies to have a good time at family-friendly Tampa Bay Downs.
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Coordinates: 11225 Race Track Road, Oldsmar; 813-855-4401; free to watch; www.tampadowns.com
The scoop: Tampa Bay Downs, a quality horse racing facility with a colorful history and brisk attendance, encourages families to come. It has a 1-mile dirt oval, an interior turf track and a large, sheltered picnic area just north of the grandstand for viewing. Racing season runs December to May. From Tampa, take Hillsborough Avenue west to Oldsmar and turn left on Race Track Road. From Pinellas, take U.S 19 to Tampa Road (Route 584); go east on Tampa Road seven miles and turn left on Race Track Road.
Why go? Known for its broad green infields and rural setting, Tampa Bay Downs is quite properly associated with racing aficionados who like to express their equine opinions with money. But it also is a fun and unusual venue for a family to enjoy the pageantry and excitement of horse racing in the comfortable ambience of picnic grounds.
Time stamp: Our day at the races started around lunchtime on a Thursday. There was a good crowd in the stands, but only a few scattered families and individuals in the picnic area. I bought a $2 racing form hoping to get a feel for the races. It turned out to be only marginally helpful, but made for entertaining reading between races.
Field report: The horses shot out of the gate, on the other side of the track and came thundering around the oval. Everyone was on their feet, and within seconds, the horses flew past us, hooves pounding and dirt flying. And just like that, in little more than a minute, it was over.
Between races, we enjoyed watching the horses and jockeys in the paddock exercise ring, next to the picnic area, and preparations for subsequent races. Even the pony horses, sort of security pets for the usually nervous thoroughbreds, were fun to watch.
Upon further review: Parking is free across the street from the track, but crossing Race Track Road can be a harrowing experience. There's a crosswalk at the entrance to the stands, but none at the picnic area. It's best to cross at the crosswalk and then walk down to the tent area.
There's a concession stand at the picnic area, which is usually just open on weekends, but why not bring your own food and drink? The picnic area is generous and comfortable, with a huge tent covering more than a dozen large wooden tables with benches. There are another dozen or so tables out on the lawn right next to the track, and there are restrooms in the vicinity.
Monitors in the tents simulcast other races, and replay the current race and results. The lawns are fairly spacious with sufficient room for kids to safely roam. One family came equipped with picnic supplies, including food, drink and lawn chairs, as well as games and toys for their children.
The latter is a good idea, especially if you have small children. It's about 20 minutes between races, and while the races are exciting, they're over quickly.
Do it again? Yes! If you're not a bettor, it's an inexpensive way to enjoy some great entertainment, especially if you're a horse lover. So we'll be back throughout the season. There are several events, including Family Fiesta Days and Kids and Family Days held monthly.
[Last modified January 27, 2005, 12:55:12]
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