100 years of racing
By Eduardo Cofino
This past weekend, Tampa Bay Downs celebrated their 100e years of racing. Since 1926, Tampa Bay Downs has been the hidden gem of Florida Horseracing, showcasing great horses and racing in a charming Florida setting. What started as a small, humble circuit has grown into a century full of traditions and unforgettable moments for racing fans, families and everyone. This season is a celebration for everyone: the people who worked here and built it into what it is today, the generations of fans who continue to support it, the great horses and jockeys who have gone on to Hall of Fame careers. The past 100 years have been an amazing journey and the future looks bright for Tampa Bay Downs.
On Friday February 13ethe party started at the start of the race on the ground floor of the clubhouse. The event was sponsored and organized by Jockeys and Jeans, featuring a jockey signing session headlined by several Hall of Fame Jockeys, including Laffit Pincay Jr., Jorge Velazquez and Edgar Prado, to name a few. Large crowds gathered for autographs, photos and fantastic memorabilia. All proceeds and donations went to the PDJF (Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund) and was a great success. Moreover, it was a great race day with a lot of spectators and beautiful weather.
The 100 in the eveninge The anniversary celebration took place at the Tampa Bay History Center in downtown Tampa. A red carpet-style event attended by many industry dignitaries, including those who played an important role in the history of Tampa Bay Downs.
Members of the Sam F Davis family, the Steinbrenner family, the Harvey Myers family, who along with Matt Winn were the original owners who brought racing to the “Top of the Bay,” and current track owner Stella Thayer, VP Marketing Margo Flynn, many current and former jockeys, and so many others.
A real treat for those in attendance was meeting the three historic track announcers: Tom Durkin, Richard Grunder and current announcer Jason Beem, who shared stories and entertained the crowd. Richard Grunder was track announcer for no less than 37 years, from 1984 to 2021. And Tom Durkin got his first big break here when it was still called Florida Downs from 1977-1981. Tom shared how special Tampa Bay Downs is to him: “They gave me my first big opportunity, and I am forever grateful for those who believed in me enough to take that opportunity.”
Stella Thayer greeted the audience and gave a heartwarming speech to everyone, thanking her team, sponsors and everyone present for their support and loyalty.
The party continued on Saturday, February 14e at the track with another glorious day of perfect weather and great racing. The memorabilia sale took place on the ground floor of the clubhouse and was a great success as they sold out.
Stella Thayer hosted a VIP party at a beautiful location along the track at the finish with food and drinks and festivities for guests, who once again included racing dignitaries, owners, trainers, jockeys and more.
The racing was fantastic. There were 2 MSW races, both won in stunning fashion. In race #2, Creed’s Vision won as 3/5 favorite going 6 furlongs on dirt in a blistering 1:09.05. And in race #5 May Gray, a 3-year-old filly broke away on the way home and won in 109:72 while downshifting.
Two stakes races were the additional features and both were won by red-hot trainer Mark Casse, who was celebrating his 65th birthday.e birthday in great style.
In the Lightening City Stakes, 5 Furling sprint on Turf for fillies and mares, Creed’s Gold found a seam on the rail and pulled away in a very fast 56.02. And in the Turf Dash Stakes, Casse’s other winner My Boy Prince closed in a rush on the inside to win a 3-horse picture with a blistering time of 55.44
A wonderful weekend of the 100 year celebration of Tampa Bay Downs. The horse races in combination with the beautiful weather and the big crowds made for a great trip. Tampa Bay Downs is such a beautiful place. From the people who work the track, to the fans, the horse racing and the overall atmosphere and experience always make for a great time. And the class of the Celebration events was First Class!
Congratulations on the first 100 years, and the future looks bright for another 100 years.
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