Rillito Park Horse Racetrack
Historical landmark for quarter horse racing for over 50 years. Thoroughbreds and quarter horses racing weekends in January - March.
RILLITO PARK RACE TRACK is the historical landmark of Quarter Horse Racing. It is located in the shadows of the beautiful Catalina Mountains in northwest Tucson. Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Racing normally begins in mid-January and runs for consecutive weekends through early March. Racetrack offers pari-mutuel betting on 9 live races each Saturday and Sunday plus numerous simulcast races from other leading tracks. Clubhouse seating, with a full restaurant and bar, is available for $5.00 Saturday and Sunday; general admission is free on Saturday, and $3.00 on Sunday for admittance to the covered grandstand seating with snack bars. Parking is free and valet parking is available.
Horse racing always seems to conjure up images of the Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown or the 1930's and 40's when racing was in it's heyday. But a trip to the Rillito Park Racetrack in Tucson proves that horse racing is not that far from the everyday and is still very much in its heyday, fast becoming a sport for the whole family to enjoy. Originally opened in the 1940's, this track is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is the home for the humble beginnings of American Quarter Horse racing in the United States.
The beating of hooves drum in your chest as you watch quarter horses or thoroughbreds race around the 5/8 of a mile track in pursuit of the win, and pray for your "lucky" horse to cross the finish line first. But just in case he or she doesn't, the racetrack does a daily losing ticket giveaway, where they will draw for prizes on the losing tickets, and you could win anything from a free dinner out to a weekend away with your loved ones. The Rillito Racetrack wasn't only the first quarter horse racetrack in the US, but it was also the first racetrack west of the Mississippi to offer pari-mutuel betting on the races. For the racing novice, classes are offered on race days, beginning at noon that teach the ins and outs of racing and the how-to's of betting, so you and your kids can bet a few dollars for fun.
Since 1988 the Rillito Racetrack has been running during the cool February and March months, with its grandstands so close to the racetrack that you can't help but feel as though you are a part of the action. The park also simulcasts races from around the country so you can watch them between races or don't miss your favorite horse, while you are sitting back in one of their restaurants, bars or grabbing a snack at the concession stands. The racetrack offers a choice of seating, either in the grandstand, or in the clubhouse, but no matter where you are, you're never too far to hear them yell "They're off!"
Admission prices: Grandstand $3.00 Sunday (free on Saturday) Club House $5.00, and kids under 12 are free.
Hours of Operation: Weekends only 1:00pm until 5:30pm. The Racetrack offers free parking and seating, and valet parking is available.
For more information and a calendar of events call (520) 293-5011.
Rillito Park Racetrack: 4502 N. First Ave., Tucson, AZ 85718
Races every weekend beginning in January
