Philadelphia Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Race Track

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PHILADELPHIA PARK, originally called KEYSTONE, opened in November of 1974. Purchased in 1984 by ITB for $40 million, the racetrack received its new name, a new turf course, and an exciting, innovative new way to wager called PHONEBET.
In December of 1990, the racetrack again changed hands. GREENWOOD RACING, INC., a corporation founded in 1989 by British bookmaking veterans Bob Green and Bill Hogwood purchased the Bensalem, PA oval from ITB. Full card simulcasting was added as well as five off-track locations called TURF CLUBS. Race fans are able to watch and wager on the best racing around the world and enjoy fine dining, day and night, 7 days a week.

In 1999, Philadelphia Park Racetrack, Turf Clubs, and Phonebet handled over $501,000,000, representing our best year ever. In addition, purses paid to horsemen, including overnights, stakes, and breeder's awards were the highest in the 25-year-old track's history.

Philadelphia Park's commitment to superior service to its guests, already an industry standard in its off-track and phone wagering business, was given greater emphasis under Chief Executive Officer Hal Handel.

Formally Chief Operating Officer of Racing at Meadowlands and Monmouth Park, Handel introduced guest friendly programs such as an enhanced Player Tracking System, free admission at all facilities, and a comprehensive guest feedback system.

As a companion to its high guest standard, Philadelphia Park Racetrack received its first facelift in over a decade with refurbishment and expansion of the walking righ and Paddock, and a complete painting of the exterior of the Grandstand. In 1999, a second step was taken in the renewal of the racetrack when a $4 million renovation of the 69,000 square foot first floor was announced. Completed in May of 1999, this area was transformed into a modern Turf Club, complete with plush simulcast theaters, a brand new dining room, and sports bar, a spacious horsemen's lounge, and a grand entrance of marble and granite.

Greenwood Racing's horizons widened in 1998 when it entered into a partnership with Ontario Jockey Club, Ladbrokes USA, and International Investment and Underwriting Limited to form The Racing Network. TRN is a subscriber based, satellite distributed, 24-hour television network featuring live racing from over 60 tracks on eight separate channels. TRN, headed by Greenwood co-founder Hogwood, launched in April of 1998.

Late in 1998, Greenwood joined with fellow Pennsylvania Corporation, Penn National Gaming, in expanding into New Jersey with the purchase of Freehold Raceway in Freehold and the operating lease of Garden State Park in Cherry Hill. The new partnership, called Pennwood, is expected to pursue off-track and account wagering in the Garden State.

Over the years, such notable horses as Shuvee, Gallant Bob, My Juliet, Spectacular Bid, Revidere, Summer Squall, and Broad Brush have found their way to the winner's circle at Philadelphia Park.

Philadelphia Park Racetrack is proud to be the home of Pennsylvania's premier thoroughbred race, the $500,000 grade III Pennsylvania Derby. Held on Labor Day, the Pennsylvania Derby is a nine-furlong race for three year olds and has consistently attracted quality fields, large crowds and record handles.

Over the past few years, the Pennsylvania Derby has evolved into a three-day festival at the racetrack. The festival last all of Labor Day weekend with the culmination on Labor Day with the running of the Derby. Saturday features a free family carnival with amusement rides, pony rides, face painters, clowns and more. Sunday features the same carnival complimented with an afternoon of free concerts in the picnic grove. Monday caps off the action with the running of the Derby, a car giveaway, local bands, the carnival plus a collection of giant inflatable bounces, rock walls, slides and more.