Horse races set for weekend of July 19-20

Horse races, which were to have kicked off this weekend at Gillespie Downs, have been canceled due to wet conditions, according to organizers.  The next race weekend will be July 19-20 at the track at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds.

Race dates are scheduled for July 19-20, August 9-10, and August 23-24, which coincides with the annual Gillespie County Fair, the oldest county fair in the state of Texas.  Admission is $10 per person, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. (Prices will be higher for adults the weekend of Aug. 23-24.)

The Race Barn, located on Texas 16 South, at the entrance to the fairgrounds, has simulcast pari-mutuel horse racing (and Greyhound racing).  Hours are Thursday through Sunday beginning at 1 p.m.  Visitors there can see action from the nation’s top tracks on 30 TV screens and place wagers.  The Race Barn also features a full bar and casual dining.

Gillespie Downs is one of just four horse racing tracks still open for business around Texas.  The other three operating tracks are Retama Park in Selma, Sam Houston Race Park in Houston and Lone Star Park in Grand Prarie.