Crowds love the methodical sound of hooves pounding the turf. Children hold on to the edge of their seats as the jockeys rear their horses around sharp corners. Folks in the stands clutch their tickets and cheer as their favorite Jockeys and Thoroughbreds prevail, galloping first over the finish line.
This classic sport is still alive and well and on Saturday, March 11, Tampa Bay Downs will host their biggest racing day in track history.
The stakes are high at this year's Derby Festival, with $760,000 in stakes purses alone. The Tampa Bay Derby Festival Day is also highlighted by the 37th renewal of the Grade II, $350,000 Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby for 3-year-old Triple Crown candidates.
There are other big showcase events like the Grade III, $200,000 Florida Oaks. The Grade III, $150,000 Hillsborough Stakes is also featured, along with the $100,000 Challenger Stakes and the $60,000 Columbia Stakes. If you love to bet on horses, this is the derby to do so!
Our modern race derby in Tampa brings a classic, nostalgic feeling to the hearts of spectators at each event. The Tampa Bay Derby Festival Day is no exception.
Tickets to this grand event are only 15 dollars and are on sale now. The doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the first race starts at 12 p.m. If you are one of the lucky first 7,500 guests, you can receive a commemorative Festival Day umbrella! Adults and children alike are welcome to the Tampa Bay Derby Festival Day.
While you spectate the exciting horse races, you can also try your hand at poker in the Tampa Bay Downs own Silks Poker Room.
Silks Poker Room is a hot feature at the Tampa Bay Downs, with full bar and restaurant access and the ability to bet on horses from the comfort of the poker room!
Silks Poker Room is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each month, Silks Poker Room hosts a $40K Guaranteed Tournament. These tournaments are fun, full of anticipation and always worth a pretty penny. No matter who you are or where you come from, you can play a hand at Silks Poker Room.
Tampa Bay Downs welcomes you and yours to the biggest derby in track history. Get your tickets today for the event happening on March 11!
Looking for more great Things to Do in Tampa? Check out our guide to events in Tampa and mark your calendars for Saturday, March 11th. Take in the beauty and pageantry that is Thoroughbred Racing and Read More in Who Knew! Thoroughbred History and Fun Facts.
