Dover Downs Raceway Raceway
Dover Downs Raceway is a harness racing track 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 Raceway 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 Raceway begins in November and ends in April. Post times are usually 4:30 or 5:30 p.m.
The Progress Pace is Dover Downs Raceway' 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 Raceway Harness Racing include the Matron Series, the Classic Series and the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF).
The venue entered a new era in 2019 when Twin River Worldwide Holdings acquired the complex. After purchasing the iconic "Bally's" brand, the parent company transitioned its corporate identity to Bally's Corporation and officially rebranded the property as Bally's Dover Casino Resort in November 2021. This major transformation updated everything from property signage to the gaming floors, officially retiring the historic "Dover Downs" name after more than five decades of independent operation to align the venue with a premier national portfolio.
Dover Downs Track Records
| Date | Horse | Record Attained | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 17, 2019 | Captain Crunch | All-Age Pacing Record | 1 Mile | 1:47.2 |
| April 10, 2013 | Traverse Seelster | All-Age Trotting Record | 1 Mile | 1:51.2 |
| November 22, 2023 | Why Not Now | Progress Pace Stakes Record | 1 Mile | 1:48.2 |
| March 13, 2014 | Bandolito | Older Pacing Horse Record | 1 Mile | 1:48.0 |
Dover Downs Raceway Facts
- Track Opened: November 10, 1969
- Speed Rating: 1:594
- Length of Homestretch: 500 feet
- Width of Homestretch: 60 feet
- Starters Behind the Gate: 8
- "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
- Record Handle: $1,227,207 - January 30, 2001
- Record Attendance: 5,971 - February 4, 1973
History of Dover Downs Raceway
1969
Dover Downs Raceway racetrack opened on November 10.
1995
Slots were introduced at Dover Downs Raceway.
2002
The auto racing segment of the business was spun off and became Dover Motorsports, Inc. The "Dover Downs Raceway" 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 Raceway Harness Racing Gaming and Entertainment, Inc.
2004
The venue assumes direct management of its casino floor, streamlining operations to deliver a more personalized and cohesive guest experience.
2007
A massive $53.6 million luxury expansion adds 268 high-end rooms and suites, creating a spectacular 500-room hotel that stands as the largest hotel resort facility in Delaware.
2010
The resort expands its gaming portfolio with the addition of live table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette, solidifying its reputation as a full-scale casino destination.
2013
Capitalizing on digital innovation, the property expands into the virtual realm by officially launching its online gaming platform.
2019
The venue enters a new era of corporate growth, completing a merger with Twin River Worldwide Holdings to align itself with a rapidly expanding national gaming portfolio.
2021
After more than 50 years of celebrated independent history, the entire hotel, casino, and horse racing complex undergoes a premier transformation, officially rebranding as Bally's Dover Casino Resort.