A Storied Past...
Dawn was breaking on a warm summer morning in 1925 and there was an air of excitement surrounding Cincinnati's new showcase of thoroughbred racing. On the path leading from the backstretch past the racing secretary's office a muscular black colt was led past the gates. This was no ordinary daybreak at Coney Island racetrack, and the horse that disappeared into the mist off the Ohio River was no ordinary animal. It was opening day for action on the track, and the first horse ever to gallop past the finish line was none other than the legendary Black Gold, the horse who still holds the record for most "Derby" wins in North America. Opening Day marked the first organized racing in Cincinnati since the closing of the Old Oakley Race Course some fifteen years prior.
The quaint open-air grandstand gave view to many sensational racing events over the next seven decades. Racing greats such as Seabiscuit, Crusader, Display and Princess Doreen competed here and the track played host to the historic match race between Myrtlewood and Clang that resulted in a world record for six furlongs. Modern day standouts that graced this oval include Bellamy Road, Peaks and Valleys, Harlan’s Holiday and Kentucky Derby winner and Horse of the Year Spend A Buck. Horsemen who started their careers here that rose to national prominence include trainers Kenny McPeek, Larry Jones, Neil Howard, and jockeys Larry Snyder, James Graham, John McKee, Rafael Bejarano and Triple Crown winner Steve Cauthen.
After surviving the tragic flood of 1937, the track re-opened under the banner of "River Downs.". The exceptional 7 furlong turf course was created in 1956, making River Downs the 13th track in America with a grass racing strip. Over the decades, the wooden grandstand began to strain under the weight of its loyal fans. An entirely new grandstand was constructed at the end of the 1988 racing season. Management elected to keep the style of the traditional open-air grandstand - but the resemblance to the building of 1925 ends there. Wooden benches were replaced with well-spaced stadium seats, a game room was installed next to a new gift shop, and escalators ferry the bettors to an expanded mezzanine level.
In addition to the $16 million grandstand, the paddock was doubled in size, accentuating the River Downs' philosophy that fans like to be close to the action and the horses. On September 19, 1996, the track entered into a new era when state legislation finally allowed for Full Card simulcasting taking place in the state. In a matter of weeks after the live meet ended, the River Downs Clubhouse was transformed into the country's most modern simulcasting center - the River Downs RaceBook.
A Fresh Future...
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. purchased River Downs in 2011. Pinnacle Entertainment also owns and operates a total of seven casinos located in Louisiana, Missouri, Indiana and Nevada…”The horse racing industry is a fantastic industry,” stated General Manager Kevin Kaufman. “We are only going to make it bigger, better, cleaner and more enjoyable for the loyal fans that have supported the track in the past and the new race goers we intend to attract.”
For over three-quarters of a century, race fans have enjoyed the pleasure of taking in the races at this beautiful track that has kept up with the times, while never losing its ambiance. Located only minutes from downtown Cincinnati along the scenic Ohio River, River Downs is warm, friendly, clean and it keeps you close to the live action while presenting year-round simulcast racing in a comfortable setting.
River Downs Amenities
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The world of thoroughbred horse racing surrounds you in our RaceBook. Enjoy a panoramic view of live racing from mid-April through Labor Day. Catch all of the premium, coast-to-coast action from our two massive walls of tv monitors. We feature Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, Arlington Park, Hollywood Park and dozens of others. Join us 7-days-a week, noon until midnight. There are casual and formal dining options. |
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Have a relaxing lunch or dinner above it all in the upper floor of our clubhouse. The Terrace offers a full-service bar, private pari-mutuel windows, box-seat tables with tv monitors and a 200 foot wall of televised racing. All the live racing action passes by right outside surrounded by an outstanding view of the course and the Ohio River Valley. The Terrace is a quality choice for group events with space to accommodate up to 200 guests very comfortably. Wagering adds a whole new element to any gathering. |
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Turn your day at the races into a day at the beach. Our tropical setting bar is perched perfectly on a point between the paddock, the finish line and the winners circle. You will almost never have to get up and that’s a good thing because we’ve designed our Tiki Bar to be relaxing and fun. Bring your party hat and join us as many RD special events kick-off here. |
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Kids need some action too! A little change goes a long way in our game room located on the ground floor of the grandstand. Pinball, car chases, alien encounters... it’s a great time for young and young-at-heart race fans of any age. Are you game? |
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From jewelry, to beer mugs, to an RD golf shirt or hat - our Gift Shop has something for anyone who wants to take home a memory of a great day of racing. It is located next to the game room on the ground floor of the grandstand. In 2011 The Gift Shop will be open weekends and for special events. |
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Everyone has a number! It’s your kid's birthday, your address, your social security number... Whatever they are, we have a way for you to cash in on them. It’s Keno and we host games every day, year-round. They happen every four minutes - That’s over 200 times a day. So don’t let your numbers bounce around in your mind any longer. Bring them to The River, bet them and get the results in a racetrack minute! |
Outstanding Entertainment Located Right Next Door
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Cincinnati's premier live music venue is located right next door to River Downs. Top musicians from around the world perform at this outdoor music center in the warmer months. Spend a day at the races followed by a River Downs concert pre-party and then take in a great concert at Riverbend. For complete concert information, dates and tickets go to: |
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Since 1897, Coney Island has been a destination for exciting rides for all ages, the world’s largest recirculating pool and events such as a Cincinnati favorite - Summerfair. It too is located next to River Downs and is the place for members of your group who just want to spend a day in a truely magical place. Everyone is a kid again at Coney Island. Learn more... |