- Philadelphia Park Racetrack
Philadelphia Park Casino and Racetrack is a
thoroughbred horse racetrack andracino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.History
Originally called Keystone Racetrack, it opened in November 1974 in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Purchased in 1984 by ITB, the racetrack received its new name, a new turf course, and an innovative new way to wager called Phonebet.
In December 1990, the racetrack again changed hands. Greenwood Racing, Inc., a corporation founded in 1989 by British
bookmaking veterans Bob Green and Bill Hogwood purchased the oval from ITB. Full cardsimulcast ing was added as well as six off-track locations called Turf Clubs. Race fans are able to watch and wager seven days a week.Late in 1998, Greenwood joined with fellow Pennsylvania Corporation, Penn National Gaming, in expanding into
New Jersey with the purchase ofFreehold Raceway inFreehold, NJ and the operating lease ofGarden State Park inCherry Hill, New Jersey . The new partnership, called Pennwood, is expected to pursue off-track and account wagering in the Garden State. Garden State Park closed in 2002, and was razed shortly thereafter.Over the years, such notable horses as
Smarty Jones , Shuvee, My Juliet,Spectacular Bid , Revidere,Summer Squall , and Broad Brush have found their way to the winners' circle at Philadelphia Park.Philadelphia Park Racetrack is the home of Pennsylvania's premier thoroughbred race, the $1 million (as of 2007) Grade II
Pennsylvania Derby . Held onLabor Day , the Pennsylvania Derby is a one and an eighth mile (ninefurlong s/1811m) race for three year olds and has consistently attracted quality fields, and large crowds. Over the past few years, the Pennsylvania Derby has evolved into a three-day festival at the racetrack. The festival lasts all of Labor Day weekend with the culmination on Labor Day with the running of the Derby. The race was not run in 2006 due to the rebuilding of the main grandstand as a "racino".The Pennsylvania State Fair was held at the racetrack annually from 1987-2006.
In 2002, the track hosted the
Claiming Crown of horse racing.Casino
On
September 27 ,2006 , the racetrack was awarded a conditional slots license by thePennsylvania Gaming Control Board . [http://www.pgcb.state.pa.us/press/pr_092706_02.HTM] This allowed construction to begin on the casino at the racetrack. Final approval of a permanent license came onDecember 20 ,2006 , the date after the casino opened.Bally 's was chosen as the supplier for the casino management system. [http://www.casinocitytimes.com/news/article.cfm?contentID=160446]The plan for the convert|430|acre|km2|sing=on site:
*Phase 1-Renovation of the existing grandstand, building of the slots facility, and garage 1. (Complete)
*Phase 2-A luxury hotel, clubhouse spa, conference center, large events center, mall, garage 2, and casino expansion. (Beginning in early 2007)
*Phase 3-Three land sites still to be determined, and garage 3.
*Phase 4-Various housing developments and championship golf course.Physical attributes
The track has a one mile (1.6 km) dirt oval and a seven furlong turf oval.
takes races
The following graded stakes are run at Philadelphia Park:
* Grade IIPennsylvania Derby
* Grade II Fitz Dixon Cotillion Breeder's Cup Handicap
*My Juliet Stakes
*Jostle Stakes
*Donald LeVine Memorial Handicap
*Dr. James Penny Memorial Handicap
*Greenwood Park Cup
*Ambassador of Luck Handicap
*Captain My Captain Handicap
*Devil's Honor Handicap
*Mr. Jenney Handicap
*Mrs. Penny Stakes
*Northern Fling Handicap
*Peppy Addy Stakes
*Smarty Jones Classic Stakes
*Turf Monster Handicap
*PTHA President's Cup
*Turf Amazon Handicap
*Gallant Bob HandicapExternal links
* [http://www.philadelphiapark.com Official web site]
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