Thistledown Picks, Entries and Results

Thistledown Track Details

Address: 21501 Emery Rd, North Randall, OH 44128

Website: www.jackentertainment.com/thistledown

Meeting:  Thistledown conducts racing from late April to late October each year, culminating in the Grade 3, $500,000 Ohio Derby for 3-year-olds in mid-June. The Ohio Derby is the only graded stakes race run in the state of Ohio and has become a staple of the summer season for the sophomore division. The track also hosts the $200,000 Lady Jacqueline for older fillies and mares in mid-August, as well as many stakes races for Ohio-breds worth $75,000 apiece. Racing at Thistledown takes place exclusively on dirt.

History:  Built by John H. McMillen on land owned by Wilson B. Chisholm in North Randall, OH, Thistledown opened for its first racing season on July 20, 1925. The following year, however, the track was forced to close due to legal complications and disputes within management, and it wasn’t until 1933 on-track betting was legalized in the state of Ohio. After a fire destroyed the clubhouse and grandstand in 1944, the track was closed for nine years, until it was rebuilt at a cost of $3 million and re-opened in 1953. In 1959, Edward DeBartolo, who also owned Remington Park and Louisiana Downs, purchased the track for $5 million. The early 2000’s were a tumultuous time for Thistledown as the track posted staggering net losses and was forced to file for bankruptcy. In 2012, the state allowed Thistledown to install video lottery terminals, which revived the struggling track.

Facilities:  Thistledown’s grandstand was transformed into a massive gaming space, with approximately 1,150 VLT’s (video lottery terminals) housed there. Several dining options can be found there, including the Millcreek Grille and two food courts, and there is also a lounge. The track itself is a one-mile dirt oval.