Tampa Bay Downs — Attraction in Oldsmar

I enjoyed a nice visit both times I went. Very happy it is so close and easy to get to, with ample free parking. Small, so it's easy to get around to different areas. I like that it's not crowded so I can get close to where horses are saddled and jockeys get on. However, I miss having a better view of the horses like I did at various tracks up north, esp Monmouth Park. Being able to look into their separate sections was a fav thing to do. TBD's layout has people on the side of that, so you only see when they're out of it, can't look straight in. Only part of where the horses walk in a circle/oval before going to the track is in front of people. The good trade-off is less people so no fight for a spot to view from. 😊 I hadn't been to a racetrack in over a decade, so with TBD so close I'm now planning to go monthly (went 2 of 3 so far). Horses, races, and Bloody Marys will be my pleasure.🏇🏽🍹🥒🏇🏽👍🏽

Tip: Bloody Marys are better from the main bar downstairs as they include pickle spear, celery, and olive. Plus the bartender I had both times is nice (I forgot her name right now). A place upstairs did not have veggies but charged the same price, and...

My first experience at a race track. It was fun watching horses, races, and interacting with others. People freely and proudly shared ideas on how to wager and which horse or jockey was the best. Although none of the suggestions helped me win, the excitement of the crowd can be contagious.

There are accomodations inside and out. Covered and uncovered. We were in an enclosed party room with dedicated cashier, buffet, and private bathrooms. The room was clean but very cold. The food was just so-so. The line for the cashier could be long and slow when too many people had questions. The problem is that you cannot place a bet after the horses start racing.

There are many cashiers outside of the party room of course. Those cashiers and people in line were very inpatient with those of us who didn't know how to wager. There should have been dedicated people to help with that - or an explanation of terms in the booklet we received. There are also computers available. You can buy a quick pick similar to the lottery.

I don't care to gamble much but I enjoyed the interactive race track experience much more than the isolation of a...

I'll first say that I had the unfortunate experience of having my clubs, bag and all supplies stolen from this facility. NOT a reflection on the staff, in fact, I was able to retrieve my bag and clubs that same day with the help of one of the quick-thinking young men working there. They even posted the mug shot of the thief, who as it turns out, was a reasonably well known golfer at his high school.

Second, this is one of the nicer facilities in the area. Always well maintained, and the staff have never been anything but helpful to me personally. I have even taken a lesson from one of the teaching members, with great results so far. Lessons are a little pricey for my taste, but the quality of the instruction is solid.

Finally, the prices are very reasonable, as they almost always have some sort of special running. I've paid nearly twice as much at far lesser facilities in the Bay area, that didn't have as nice a putting area or short game/chipping area as the TDD range does. I've never been disappointed (except when my clubs were...