River Downs

Address:6301 Kellogg Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio

For over three-quarters of a century, race fans have enjoyed the pleasure of taking in the races at beautiful River Downs track; a facility 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, and picturesque, keeping you close to its live thoroughbred racing action. So come and see the live racing action running from April through to Labor Day weekend. River Downs offers live racing every day during this period, except for Monday and Wednesday. River Downs Track hosts the Miller Genuine Draft Cradle Stakes which has grown to become the richest race for 2-year-olds in the state of Ohio.

River Downs opened as Coney Island Racetrack in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1925, replacing the Old Oakley Race Course. The famous horse Seabiscuit made two appearances at River Downs in 1936. On October 3, 1936, he ran third in the Western Hills Handicap, and two weeks later he ran third in the Eastern Hills Handicap. The track managed to survive the disastrous Cincinnati flood of 1937, and re-opened under the name of "River Downs." The 7-furlong turf course was created in 1956, making River Downs the 13th track in America with a grass racing strip. The infield grass course has drawn rave reviews from horsemen across the country. On September 19, 1996, state legislation finally allowed Full Card simulcasting to take place in the state. In a matter of weeks after the live meet ended, the River Downs Clubhouse became the country's most modern simulcasting center, better known as the River Downs RaceBook. Thoroughbred and harness racing from across the nation is broadcast over a new 500 set state-of-the-art television system that features over one hundred 40-inch, high-resolution direct-view televisions. Only months after the renovation of the River Downs RaceBook, the track fell victim to the Cincinnati flood of 1997. The entire lower level of the Clubhouse was flooded, as was the entire first level of the grandstand, office area, and barn area. The track lost only 18 days of operation, however, before the upper level of the RaceBook was back in operation. The track was reopened on schedule for live racing in late April.

River Downs features a traditional open-air grandstand with well-spaced stadium seats and a view overlooking the Ohio River. The paddock is beautiful, and very up close to the horses and jockeys. River Downs offers a family friendly atmosphere, with pony rides for the kids on weekends, and is located right next to an amusement park and outdoor concert arena. The River Downs RaceBook presents year-round simulcast racing, in a comfortable setting that is on the cutting edge of modern technology. The admission and grandstand seating are free.

River Downs is located at 6301 Kellogg Avenue in Cincinnati off of 275 East, and near interstates I-75 and I-471. Parking is plentiful and free.