Yavapai Downs Raceway
Yavapai Downs Raceway is a one mile thoroughbred and quarter horse track in Prescott Valley, Arizona. It stands on a 200-acre site at the base of the Mingus Mountains and projects the image of being an oasis in the desert.
Yavapai Downs Raceway holds horse racing from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During the off-season, Yavapai Downs Raceway hosts other events including horse and dog shows, barrel races and exhibitions.
The town of Prescott Valley is one of the fastest growing towns in the U.S. It is located in Yavapai County in Central Arizona and is approximately 85 miles north of Phoenix. It is very near the city of Prescott, the gem of the county that has hosted horse racing since 1959 at the old Prescott Downs track.
Yavapai Downs Raceway Facts
- One mile oval
- Two separate stall areas
- Distance from last turn to finish line: 1,020 feet
- 85,000 square foot three story grandstand & club house
- Barn area accommodates 1,500 horses
- 50,000 square foot Equestrian Center & Fairgrounds
- Grandstands have an area of 85,000 square feet
Yavapai Downs Raceway History
1959-2000 - Prescott Downs was the home of summer horse racing in this area of Arizona. As it was located in the midst of the booming city of Prescott, it was unable to expand to the size needed. Prescott Downs closed in September 2000. A new site was found in the nearby town of Prescott Valley and the new track was named Yavapai Downs Raceway at Prescott Valley.
2001 - Over 35,000 people were on hand for the grand opening of Yavapai Downs Raceway at Prescott Valley over the Memorial Day weekend. Betting for the inaugural day of racing reached $580,755.
2002 to present - Three years after it opened, Yavapai Downs Raceway has been drawing in thoroughbred and quarter horse racing enthusiasts from throughout the southwest.
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