WV Racetracks Hosting Nearly 300 Live Horse Racing Days in 2019

Since as early as the 1930s, horse racing has been a prevalent activity in West Virginia. The establishment of the Charles Town Turf Club in 1933 marked the beginning of this tradition, accompanied by the introduction of pari-mutuel gambling.

In 1937, Wheeling Downs opened another track, marking the beginning of horse racing’s significant presence in the Mountain State community.

In spite of the notable changes in 2019, such as the flourishing sports betting industry in West Virginia, the tradition of horse racing remains alive in the state. Numerous residents continue to exhibit a keen interest in thoroughbred racing. Although many enjoy attending live races, there are occasions when online betting becomes essential. In such instances, West Virginia residents rely on TVG as their preferred platform for online horse betting.

In 2019, let’s explore the horse racing schedule in West Virginia and discover the dates of major events at the state’s two thoroughbred racetracks.

• Charles Town Races is a popular casino and entertainment venue located in Hollywood.
• The establishment known as Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

Due to its hosting of prestigious racing events, Charles Town Races is widely acknowledged as the most renowned track in the state. The venue annually showcases the highly anticipated Charles Town Classic, alongside numerous other noteworthy stakes races.

You can enjoy live thoroughbred racing all year long, and there are also simulcast wagering options for various tracks across the country.

Racing is available from January to April on Wednesdays through Saturdays. However, starting in May, the schedule shifts to Thursdays through Saturdays.

The regular race day post time is at 7 p.m., except for special events scheduled on April 20 and September 21.

The Charles Town Races host a grand total of 164 live racing days.

On April 20, the highly anticipated Charles Town Classic day takes place, featuring a series of special events. This prestigious horse race, known as the richest on dirt in the US for older horses, ranks just below the esteemed Breeders’ Cup Classic and Pegasus World Cup. The thrilling race commences at 12:30 p.m., accompanied by a total of 13 races scheduled throughout the day.

On September 21, Race for the Ribbon day will feature a total of twelve races with a post time of 5 p.m. Additionally, on October 12, the track will host the West Virginia Breeders’ Classics XXXIII, with a regular post time of 7 p.m.

In addition to the Charles Town Classic, the track also hosts several high-stakes races. Horse racing enthusiasts can anticipate the Dance to Bristol S. and the Robert Hilton Memorial races, both offering generous purses worth six figures. Mark your calendars, as both races are scheduled for April 6th.

Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort

For live horse racing in West Virginia, the Mountaineer Racetrack is the go-to destination. The racing season for 2019 commences on Sunday, April 28. Additionally, throughout the year, there are simulcast racing options and the casino offers an OTB section on its main gaming floor.

Similar to Charles Town, Mountaineer’s track operates primarily from Sunday to Wednesday every week, with a few exceptions on Saturdays.

Starting from the beginning of the season, live races are scheduled to take place every Sunday through Wednesday until December 4. The standard post time for these races is 7 p.m., unless there are any special events.

In 2019, Mountaineer will host a grand total of 130 live racing days.

Save the dates for the two special event days: Saturday, May 4 and Saturday, August 3. Make sure to note that the West Virginia Derby will have an early post time of 2 p.m. on August 3.

Sports betting on the horses in WV

The five casinos in West Virginia all offer sportsbooks where horse race wagers are accepted. Apart from Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort, players can also place bets on horses at the remaining sportsbooks in West Virginia.

• Mardi Gras Casino Resort
• Wheeling Island Hotel
• The Greenbrier’s Casino Club

In addition, residents of WV have access to numerous online horse betting apps. However, it is worth mentioning that BetLuckly Sportsbook, WV’s sole mobile sports betting app, is not included in this selection. For a comprehensive list of horse racing betting apps, please refer to our WV guide dedicated to horse racing.