Hey everyone, so I gotta tell you about my trip to the track formerly known as Calder Race Course, now called Gulfstream Park West. It was quite the experience, let me tell you.
I drove down to Miami Gardens, you know, where the track is located. It’s right next to that big stadium, Pro Player Stadium, can’t miss it. I parked my car and walked towards the entrance. Man, this place has some history, I thought to myself as I strolled in.
Getting Started
I learned that this place started out as a dirt track way back when, in a farming area called Diggers Rest. Apparently, some car guys just wanted a place to race their old Holdens. Then, in the ’60s, they built a proper track, and it just grew from there. I found out that they started horse racing there in the mid-1960s and, from what I gathered, it was a pretty big deal for a while.
The Experience
- First, I grabbed a program and tried to figure out the races. It’s been a while since I’ve been to the track, so it took a minute.
- Then, I wandered around, checking out the facilities. They used to have some big events here like the Florida Stallion Stakes and the Festival of the Sun. Heard about some jockey named Eddie Castro who won nine races here in one day back in 2005. That’s crazy!
- I placed a few bets, nothing too crazy. Just wanted to get in on the action, you know?
- Watched a few races but I heard this place actually ran its last race already. I read somewhere that it was called “Diligent” that won the last one. Seems like the end of an era.
The Takeaway
So, yeah, my day at Gulfstream Park West, the old Calder Race Course, was interesting. It seems like this place had its day in the sun, but now it’s all changed. The horse racing operations were leased to the folks who run Gulfstream Park. The whole thing is kind of a shame, but hey, that’s progress, right? It was a bit sad to see the place knowing its glory days are over, but I still enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere and imagining what it must have been like back in the day. It’s a piece of Florida history, that’s for sure.
Anyway, that’s my story about my visit to the track. Maybe you guys have some memories of this place too? Let me know in the comments!
