Gulf Stream Park Facts
As one of the more prominent race tracks in the country today, Gulfstream Park holds a great deal of history and tradition as it goes through its renovation process into a more progressive venue for the sport. What follows are snippits of significant milestones associated with Gulfstream Park.
Since it first opened on February 1, 1939 in Hallandale, Florida, Gulfstream has seen some of the greatest thoroughbreds in the world compete before huge crowds. These include Cigar, Skip Away, Holy Bull, Spectacular Bid, Kelso, Forego, Bold Ruler, Nashua, and Swaps.
In 1952, the first Florida Derby was run, coinciding with the opening of the new clubhouse that was added as an extension to the grandstand, and it quickly gained prominence as one of the key preps for the Triple Crown.
In 1989, Gulfstream hosted the first of its three Breeders' Cups, the others being in 1992 and 1999. Because Gulfstream does not normally race in the fall, a time traditionally occupied by Calder Race Course, in each of those years they conducted a special 3-day racing meet.
In 1991, a record 1,096,404 fans turned out for the 88-day meeting. In 2002, the on-track handle hit a record $149,984,404. The track has consistently set records in pari-mutuel wagering.