Tampa Bay Downs Live Horse Racing
Live Thoroughbred Racing Resumes November 18, 2026
Tampa Bay Downs next live racing season is November 18, 2026 through May 1, 2027. As one of the two remaining live Thoroughbred race tracks in Florida, Tampa Bay Downs also offers a modern poker room, as well as simulcast racing throughout the year.
Simulcast calendar
The simulcast calendar Includes both thoroughbred and non-thoroughbred race tracks. Thoroughbred tracks include Gulfstream Park, Monmouth Park, and Laurel Park. Non-thoroughbred tracks include Yonkers, Hoosier Park, and Meadowland.
Gulfstream Park in South Florida is the other live horse racing venue in Florida and features year around live horse racing.
Silks Poker Room Open All Year
The Silks 25-table poker room at Tampa Bay Downs offers daily live action games and regular poker tournaments. Dining and complimentary beverages are served in a comfortable card playing environment. Silks Poker Room offers Texas Hold'em, No Limit Hold'em and multi-table tournaments.
Tampa Bay Downs Live Racing November 18, 2026 - May 1, 2027
Tampa Bay Downs Racing Calendar
Live racing at Tampa Bay Downs begins again on November 18, 2026 with a 89 day live racing season ending May 1, 2027. Live race days are Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday except for Christmas and Easter. Additionally, Tampa Bay Downs offers simulcast horse race viewing and betting all year.
Tampa Bay Derby - 2027 Date Not Available but Traditionally Second Saturday in March
The 1 1⁄16-mile Tampa Bay Derby (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs, like the Florida Derby, is a prep race for the Kentucky Derby. Despite facing Gulfstream Park competition to attract the best 3-year-olds in Florida, the Tampa Bay Derby has more than held its own as a productive prep for the Kentucky Derby in May. The Tampa Bay Derby offers 100 Derby qualification points to the top five finishers, divided on a 50-25-15-10-5 basis.