Tampabay downs media guide 16-0273-JK2

History
1996 - The track’s first 70 years are observed in gala style, and the
Florida Oaks gains Grade III status. A record 360 simulcast outlets take
Tampa Bay Downs’ signal, and 540 take the Tampa Bay Derby card. The
Florida Legislature approves full-card simulcasting, giving pari-mutuel
facilities the option of hosting signals from out-of-state tracks. Tampa
Bay Downs takes over concession areas in the plant, providing more
flexibility and lower prices to patrons. A new barn is constructed to house
50 horses.Thundering Storm wins both the Tampa Bay Derby and the
Sam F. Davis Stakes.
1997 - The plant remains open seven days a week to host simulcast
signals for the first time. Six purse increases of 5% result in a major
bonanza for horsemen and establish the highest average purse
distribution in the track’s history. The Challenger Stakes returns to the
schedule. Attendance is up 4.3% over the previous season and the ontrack
handle jumps an additional 15.74%, while out-of-state wagering
increases 22%. Ground is broken for the turf course on May 14, and
the grass is planted Sept. 9. Road improvements allow greater access
with the Linebaugh Extension to the north. Widening and repairs also
improve Race Track Road, Hillsborough Avenue and Tampa Road.
William Henry wins the jockeys’ title for the fourth time in five seasons.
Jerry Bailey wins the Tampa Bay Derby aboard Zede for owner Allen
Paulson and trainer William Mott.
1998 - A record is set for an all-time, single-day total handle on Jan.
16 when $3,155,905 is wagered on the Tampa Bay Downs signal ontrack,
in-state and out-of-state. Tasso’s Magic Roo sweeps the Pepsi
Challenge Series and becomes only the second filly to do so since the
series began in 1988. Will Farish’s Parade Ground wins the 18th running
of the Tampa Bay Derby, and Helen Alexander’s Pantufla captures
the Grade III Florida Oaks. The unveiling of the turf course on May 2,
Kentucky Derby Day, draws a crowd of 8,669,the second largest in the
track’s history at the time. Ship Liner, owned by Phillip Williams, wins
the inaugural running of the Tampa Bay Turf Handicap and Artz Racing
Stable’s Mercedes Song prevails over fillies and mares in the Tampa
Bay Distaf Turf Handicap. Records are established during the 1997-1998
season for total handle, purses and simulcast outlets.
1999 - The conclusion of the 1998-99 racing meet once again sees
gains over the previous season as Tampa Bay Downs enjoys the most
successful season in the 73-year history of the track. The 91-day meet
produced a rise in the average daily attendance and daily on-track
handle, this during the third year of full-card simulcasting. Simulcasting
revenue also leaped to an all time high with an increase of owner
46%. Purses were additionally bolstered to record levels during the
same period, alluring top quality horses and stables to compete. Track
owner Stella F. Thayer is the first woman to be elected head of the
Thoroughbred Racing Associations in the organization’s 57-year history.
2000 - The Clubhouse is totally remodeled, with fan comfort as the
highest priority. Clubhouse renovations include new central airconditioning,
a newly refurbished elevator, paint, plush carpeting and
luxury seating. The lower floor of the Clubhouse showcases a “Sports
Book” atmosphere, with 100 individual carrels complete with private
TV monitors. A state-of-the-art sound system is installed throughout
the entire Clubhouse and Grandstand areas. Once again, new handle
records were set and purses achieve all-time levels. Secret Status, a
3-year-old filly owned by William S. Farish and partners, uses a Florida
Oaks victory as a stepping stone to winning the Kentucky Oaks. A crowd
of 6,381 attends March 4 to watch a National Steeplechase Association
race, won by Red Classic and jockey Sean Clancy.
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