Corporate Name: Delaware Racing Association
Mailing Address: 777 Delaware Park Boulevard, Wilmington, Delaware 19804
Telephone: (302) 994-2521
Fax: Administration: (302) 994-3567; Publicity: (302) 993-8935
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.delawarepark.com
|
Delaware Park has walked a long road to get to where it is today. Since its inception in 1937 by William DuPont, Jr., it has undergone many dramatic changes. These changes have created the character and atmosphere of Delaware Park, which graciously accommodates the horseplayer, casino guest, sports bettor and golfer. Through seven decades, Delaware Park has consistently offered the best in horse racing. Legends such as Kelso, Buckpasser, Damascus, and Spectacular Bid have been victorious at the Stanton oval. More recently the track has spawned the careers of Afleet Alex, Barbaro, Hard Spun, Eight Belles, and the 2011 Horse-of-the-Year, Havre de Grace. The track is situated in a unique and picturesque country landscape with stately century-old oaks and grassy pastures. Most importantly, Delaware Park’s gracious hospitality from its dedicated and loyal employees welcomes fans and horsemen. In 1983, the late William Rickman, Sr., a Rockville, Md. developer of office buildings and parks and a dedicated horse owner, acquired Delaware Park. The track’s bottom line was marginal and its survival surprised most sceptics. Realizing the track’s existence was in jeopardy, Rickman sought avenues to protect the long-term future of Delaware Park, including efforts for relief legislation in the form of slot machines. In the summer of 1993, William Rickman, Jr., took over the day-to-day reins of the racetrack and personally took charge of the efforts to seek video lottery legislation. In June of 1994, the Delaware General Assembly passed The Horse Racing Redevelopment Act, legalizing video lottery gaming at Delaware tracks. On December 29, 1995, the slot facility opened, ushering in the “new era of the grand tradition at Delaware Park.” The upcoming 79th season promises to add another exciting chapter in the history of Delaware Park. The Grade III Delaware Oaks and the Grade I Delaware Handicap in July highlight the season, which will open May 21. The track remains in a continuous state of renovation and now includes a championship golf course. The Rickman family has focused on reinvesting profits back into the facility for upgrades while improving its technology to remain competitive within the industry. Delaware Park is committed to a continuing program of improvements that will ensure its stature as the premier multi-faceted sports and entertainment venue in the Delaware Valley. Officers: William Rickman, Jr., Chief Executive Officer; William Fasy, President (ext. 2201 or 2202) |