Gulfstream Park

Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, first opened to the public in 1939. It was only open for four days that year, but it drew 18,000 people on opening day. Gulfstream reopened in 1944 for a 20-day competition and has not missed a season since. This track has had a host of great horses, including Swaps, Nashua, Bold Ruler, Kelso, Spectacular Bid, and Cigar.

But the only theme that has run through the history of Gulfstream Park is change. In 1946, Gulfstream added the Gulfstream Park Handicap. 1952 not only added the Florida Derby, but construction of a clubhouse began and the grandstand was expanded. As viewers enjoyed watching the Swaps set a new world record in 1956 and watching Bold Ruler be defeated by General Duke in 1957, plans were in the works to add a world-class grass court to the facility. The new track was completed in 1959.

1961 saw the addition of the world’s largest tote board to the track’s inner frame. Of course, it wouldn’t be considered the largest in the world by today’s standards, but in 1961 it was great. In the 1970s, the changes were more subtle. The Florida Derby became the richest race in the state when the purse rose to $ 125,000. In 1978 Gulfstream Park President James Donn, Jr. passed away. His son, Doug Donn, was chosen as his replacement.

In 1982, renovations were made to the clubhouse and grandstand. A new vaulted dining terrace known as the Gulfdome has been added, providing a beautiful area for dining. In 1989, Gulfstream hosted the sixth Breeders Cup as a mini-event that lasted three days.

In 1990, another change occurred when Bertram and Diana Firestone, the owners of Calder Race Course, bought Gulfstream. A landmark event this year on the track was the final victory in William Shoemaker’s long and illustrious career as a jockey. 1992 found that the Park was home to another Breeders Cup, which broke the North American record for the amount of money wagered in a single day. In 1995 and 1996, Gulfstream saw many of the incredible victories of the nation’s top-grossing horse, Cigar. He was added to the Park’s Garden of Champions when it was retired, and a life-size statue was erected in his honor. 1999 saw the last change in ownership of the track, when it was acquired by Magna Entertainment Corporation. Gulfstream also hosted another Breeders’ Cup, breaking another betting record.

As soon as the meeting ended in 2004, a major renovation began at Gulfstream Park. The clubhouse and grandstand were leveled and the main track was widened to one mile and one eighth. The grass field was widened, growing from 80 feet to 170 feet. The pedestrian ring was destroyed, as well as half of the barns and the Garden of Champions. The only original buildings left were the blackboard, the administration building, and the jockey’s room. The 2005 meeting was held with tents and temporary buildings. This continued into 2006, as the 2005 hurricane season interfered with construction.

The new grandstand and clubhouse is elegant and includes retail space, restaurants and casinos, including the 1,200-seat restaurant, Ten Palms and Tickets sports bar. A new walking ring has been built surrounded by Mediterranean-style architecture. Gulfstream Park has been almost entirely redone to meet the needs of its many visitors.