Lebanon Raceway Horseracing
Lebanon Raceway and Simulcast Center offered exciting harness racing and simulcast action for racing enthusiasts from all over.
The raceway was located in the Ohio town of Lebanon at the Warren County Fairgrounds, just six miles west of Exit 32 on I-71. Situated about halfway between Cincinnati and Dayton, it served as a central hub for regional racing fans.
First opening its doors in 1948, Lebanon Raceway spent decades providing harness racing thrills to countless fans, cementing its status as a venerable local institution.
During its operation, guests experienced live harness racing at Lebanon Raceway from February to June and again from September to December, with a traditional post time of 6:30 PM. The track's prestigious calendar famously included hosting the Ohio Sires Stakes every May.
Beyond the live action, visitors enjoyed daily simulcasts from harness, thoroughbred, and quarter horse racing tracks throughout North America. The simulcast center operated seven days a week from noon until midnight, with adjusted closing times on Saturdays and Sundays to coincide with the conclusion of the final race. The raceway also hosted the Warren County Fair dates every July.
An era came to an end in December 2013 when Lebanon Raceway officially closed its doors after 65 years of racing history. The track's operations and racing licenses were transferred to the newly constructed Miami Valley Gaming facility in nearby Turtlecreek Township. While the historic grandstand briefly remained open to serve simulcast fans, it was ultimately demolished in 2017, bringing a final close to a beloved chapter of Ohio's racing heritage.
Tragedy at Lebanon Raceway
Tragedy struck Lebanon Raceway in 1998 when a barn fire at the fairgrounds killed 35 horses.
On December 5, 2009, 43 horses and two trainers were killed when another fire broke out at a barn. The Ohio State Fire Marshal said the cause of the fires was undetermined but considered the age and design of the barn as factors in the rapid spread of the fire.
Rebirth at Lebanon Raceway
Lebanon Raceway is currently undergoing a rebirth.
In December 2012, a joint venture of Churchill Downs, Inc. and Delaware North Companies Gaming and Entertainment named Miami Valley Gaming and Racing completed a purchase of the harness racing licenses and certain assets held by Ohio-based Lebanon Trotting Club, Inc. and Miami Valley Trotting, Inc.
The new owners plan to move the facility in I-75 (on Ohio 63 and Union Road in Turtlecreek Township) sometime in 2014. The new Lebanon Raceway will feature complete harness racing and simulcast operations and new gaming facilities.