Dover Downs Harness Racing Track
Dover Downs Harness Racing Track is located within the city limits of Dover, Delaware, on the east side of Route 13 (Du Pont Highway). The harness racing events are actually held on the infield of the Dover International Speedway, a one-mile concrete, banked oval track that NASCAR fans have nicknamed "The Monster Mile".
Dover Downs Harness Racing Track has hosted harness racing events since its inception in 1969. Live harness races are simulcast to tracks and other off-track betting (OTB) locations across North America on each of the company's more than 140 live race dates. The track is adjacent to its company's casino and hotel and conference center.
A typical harness racing season at Dover Downs Harness Racing Track begins in November and ends in April. Post times are usually 4:30 or 5:30 p.m.
The Progress Pace is Dover Downs Harness Racing Track's signature event. It began in 1996 and during its first seven races, most of the top sophomore pacers in the sport have participated. Aside from the Progress Pace, other stakes events regularly held at Dover Downs Harness Racing Track include the Matron Series, the Classic Series and the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF).
Dover Downs Harness Racing Track Track Facts
| • Track Opened | : | November 10, 1969 |
| • Speed Rating | : | 1:594 |
| • Length of Homestretch | : | 500' |
| • Width of Homestretch | : | 60' |
| • Starters Behind the Gate | : | 8 |
| • Hubrail? | : | No |
| • "Open" Stretch? | : | Yes |
| • Lighted at night? | : | Yes |
| • General Admission | : | Free |
| • Clubhouse Admission | : | Free |
| • General Parking | : | Free |
| • Grandstand Capacity | : | 4,200 |
| • Clubhouse Capacity | : | 400 |
| • Parking Capacity | : | 12,000 |
History of Dover Downs Harness Racing Track
1969
- Dover Downs Harness Racing Track race track opened on November 10.
1995
- Slots were introduced at Dover Downs Harness Racing Track.
2002
- The auto racing segment of the business was spun off and became Dover Motorsports, Inc. The "Dover Downs Harness Racing Track" name, however, was retained by the harness racing company. Together, the harness track, the hotel and the casino gaming business formed the core of Dover Downs Harness Racing Track Gaming and Entertainment, Inc.