Charles Town Race Course

The Charles Town Race Course in the Blue Ridge Mountains is home to the Charles Town Classic and also the West Virginia Breeders’ Classics.

Track Background

In beautiful Charles Town, West Virginia, you’ll find the famous Hollywood Casino and racecourse. The Charles Town Races is a gem of American horse racing that opened on December 2, 1933, it was the first horse racing venue to open in West Virginia, which led the way for the winter race meets in the United States. This track used to be managed by the Shenandoah Valley Jockey Club, and has become a complete hub of entertainment while still focusing on its traditional racing roots.

The current ownership group is the Gaming and Leisure Properties. The management operations are overseen by Penn Entertainment.

Charles Town Race Course Seating Capacity

With a seating capacity of around 6,000, the venue has grandstand and clubhouse seating. The grandstand can hold about 3,500 visitors, while the clubhouse, with its 2,500 seats, gives onlookers a more premium experience complete with dining options and stunning views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

A Versatile Racing Venue

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races has a three-quarters of a mile (1.20 km) six-furlong dirt oval as its main track, and a 7/8-mile (0.25 km) turf course inside the dirt oval. This setup allows many different types of races and conditions, focusing primarily on thoroughbred racing. The track is known for its year-round operations, hosting live races on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings starting at 7:00 p.m. The track’s evening schedule makes it particularly popular among working professionals and casual visitors looking for a fun night out.

The main track tends to get muddy and sloppy under wet weather conditions because it’s a dirt track, and can become more of a challenge to handle which adds to the whole excitement and unpredictability to the races. This means that the trainers and jockeys have to tweak their strategies, keeping onlookers on the edge of their seats.

Dining Options at Charles Town Race Course

Charles Town Race Course also has a range of different dining and entertainment options. One of the standout ones is the Skyline Terrace in the clubhouse. Here, guests can enjoy fine dining while taking in the 360 views of the racetrack and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The terrace gives a unique vantage point to race goers that want to add a touch of luxury to their race-day experience.

For racegoers who want something a little less extravagant – the Final Cut Steakhouse serves up premium cuts of meat, while the 9 Dragons focused more on the Asian cuisine – there’s something for everyone, whether you’re visiting for the races or just enjoying a night out.

Ticketing and Accessibility

Admission fees for Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races will change based on the level of access you want. Your options include general grandstand seating to more exclusive clubhouse tickets. Parking is available on-site but usually comes with an extra fee.

The track’s accessibility by public transportation is another highlight. Visitors can easily make the trip to Charles Town by using nearby rail and bus services. This convenience has made the track a great weekend getaway sport for city dwellers that want to unwind with the excitement of horse racing.

Highlight Races and Events

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races attracts some of the best talent in the horse racing world. Its biggest event is the Charles Town Classic, a Grade II race which started in 2009. Open to horses aged three and older, this 1 1/8-mile (1.80 km) race offers a generous prize of $1,000,000, drawing some of the best competitors in the sport.

Another famous event is the West Virginia Breeders’ Classics. This series of races, has a combined prize of $1,000,000 and celebrates the best of West Virginia-bred horses, it has become a hallmark of the local racing calendar. These events highlight the track’s ability to blend local pride with national-level competition.

Charles Town Race Course Betting Option

If you enjoy betting, the track has its own casino that includes table games, slot machines, and sports betting, making the venue an appealing spot for gamblers. Also, simulcast betting is available, so you have the opportunity to bet on races from other tracks across the country. This ensures that there’s always something happening, even when live racing is not available.

Racing Schedule

Unlike the more seasonal tracks, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is open year-round, making it a great destination no matter the season. Its consistent schedule lets visitors enjoy live racing and other entertainment options without the constraints of a limited racing season.

End Note

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races easily blends its rich history, exciting horse racing, and modern entertainment. Its proximity to Washington, D.C., along with its diverse amenities like dining, gaming, and betting, makes it a standout destination in the world of American horse racing.

Great food, great racing and a full service casino make the Charles Town Racecourse a winning combination.