Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
© St. Petersburg Times, published December 15, 2001
WHEN/WHERE: 11 this morning; 11225 Race Track Road, Oldsmar.
OPENING DAY: The 93-day live meet opens with as much anticipation and more promise than any in the track's 76-year history. For the first time, the track's two signature races, the March 17 $200,000 Tampa Bay Derby and $150,000 Florida Oaks, will be graded (III), which heightens their importance as Triple Crown preps and increases the chances that high-quality horses will participate.
NEW STUFF: Tampa Bay Downs launched its new Web site this week at tampadowns.com or tampabaydowns.com, with menus providing condition books, race information and simulcast schedules.
THE CLUB: Patrons can earn points for dollars wagered at Tampa Bay Downs on any race or simulcast. Points can be redeemed for rewards ranging from a race program (200 points) to a trip to Las Vegas (100,000).
FESTIVAL PREVIEW DAY: Feb. 23 ($50,000 Suncoast and Sam F. Davis stakes).
STEEPLECHASE: On March 9, the National Steeplechase Association returns with jumpers for the third year.