Retama Park Picks, Entries and Results

Retama Park Track Details

Address: 1 Retama Pkwy, Selma, TX 78154

Website: www.retamapark.com

Meeting:  Retama Park currently holds a mixed meet for thoroughbreds and quarter horses that commences in early July and ends in early September. The track usually holds thoroughbred races on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and quarter horse races on Friday and Saturday. The two biggest thoroughbred races held at the track are the El Joven and La Senorita at a mile on the turf for 2-year-olds and 2-year-old fillies, respectively, while the main event for quarter horses is the TQHA Sales Futurity. Racing is conducted on both dirt and turf.

History:  Retama Park opened in 1995 in Selma, Texas, just northeast of San Antonio. The track’s tenuous footing in the industry began straight away, as it opened a year and a half behind schedule under the oversight of the Retama Development Corporation, an entity formed by the city of Selma. The track has never turned a profit, and has been threatened with closure numerous times. It was saved first in 1996 by Call Now Inc., a long-distance phone company who bought over 90% of the bonds issued for the track’s construction and allowed Retama to continue its operation. When Call Now failed in 2011, the track was in jeopardy of being foreclosed on but was instead granted forbearance. Pinnacle Entertainment bought a majority stake in Retama in 2013, again saving it from bankruptcy, and in 2018 Pinnacle was acquired by Penn National Gaming, who currently operate the track.

Facilities:  Retama Park has a spacious grandstand from which to view the races. General admission is $7, while kids 12 and under and residents of Selma get in free. There are several dining options on track, including a sports bar and a restaurant overlooking the track.