Delaware Park - A Gem of a Track (Video)

Delaware Park is a diamond in the rough of northeast Thoroughbred racetracks. Located just outside of Wilmington, Delaware the facility has just about anything a gambler/horse player or fan could desire like:

• * - easily accessibility by car
• * - free and ample parking with constant shuttle service
• * - full casino attached 
• * - decent grub at an affordable prices
• * - compact layout, but never crowded
• * - a large, tree-filled paddock reminiscent of a city park
• * - plenty of comfortable seating
• * - track employees and fans that are helpful
• * - solid colony of jockeys and trainers
• * - great sight-lines and large screen televisions seamlessly integrated to highlight racing form around the county
• * - And get this: free admission – here’s a concept whose time has come

Really, in my maiden voyage – 8 hours driving time – to Delaware Park, the only complaint I had was, I didn’t cash enough tickets. I’ll leave that story for another day. As I took in the grounds for the first time the only thing I really wondered was: where are all the people?

Those who came could easily get a beer, buy a dog, meet some old friends at table and shoot the breeze whilst handicapping, as I witnessed quite a few patrons doing. If anyone tired from the well air conditioned facility or needed a break from the near 80% humidity and 90-degree temperatures, the walk to the paddock was like, well, a walk in the park.

Seriously, there was enough green space for a kid’s soccer game or an adult, summer concert. Mature trees, fresh flowers and I swear, a breeze impossible to find on the track apron kicked in on my several trips to paddock. The temperature dipped at least 10 degrees and nary a horse showed a white sweat streak on a hazy, summer day.

Tranquil moments and plenty of live action were caught on camera, along with an almost run-in between a mare and her human competitors. I hope you enjoy my brief look into Delaware Park during one of its biggest race days.