Retama Park — Attraction in Selma

Tried a new thing—seen LOTS of Mex-Tex family 💗LOVE 💗 this past time so had to see for myself. To my surprise without spending money on bets or being drunk like some folks I enjoyed it. To start 1. the parking is currently free—there is some renovations happening to the outside nearby streets so be cognizant of this. 2. A basic ticket is $5. Box/Grandstand is $30 which includes entrance tix and fan area. However, it is free all the time for Selma TX residents or Military ID holder (Thursdays’ only). The trainers/jockeys are pretty cool not overly pessimistic/negative Nancy if they don’t win. My 2 cons are the bag standard thats NOT enforced for everyone and the uptight photographer with the flower print shirt & EMS short lady that seemed to have a foot up their rectum. Firstly, the bag option; I chose to use the word “option” as it seems if you were of a certain ethnicity this rule CLEARLY didn’t apply. It states no backpacks or large totes. The security person turned another female and I away after purchasing our tickets because in his words they were too large. My bag was not clear but it was a perforated light grey handled bag. He had a red string/rope on the folded table he used to measure length/height. However, once in the seating area I notice multiple women with Louis Vuitton Neverfall GM/MM bags, the Longchamp bag NOT the petite version & backpack galore. I just think rules should be encouraged/enforced for all! My second con is the uptight photographer and EMS lady. The photographer had an issue with a young lady whom the winning owners bought in the winning circle to take a photo. She YELLED at these individuals as well as the security guard. When the young ladies explained why they were in the circle she told the security guard he wasn’t doing his job to keep them out and ignored them. Not good practices as “professional”.

If you’re going to the horse race track I would highly suggest staying away from these miserable people as to not...

Went to Retama Park on Kentucky Derby day and arrived at 5pm..The Derby was to start at 6:02pm..There was a line of about 40 people and all 40 had on masks... The 2 guys that were working the gate would let one person in when one came out..The capacity was 500 people...So obviously they were full..If a couple was next to go in and only one came out then the couple had to either split up or wait for another individual to come out.One of the guys at the gate took a cutomer in to make a bet and then they returned. I wonder how much that cost. So with 20 min until the race the 2 guys would not let anybody in as nobody coming out.. Now we are talking 40 people that all drove out to retama park and all wearing masks. In 25 min alot of the people inside would be coming out to go home after the derby.Now i get it that its 500 people capacity but, where is common sense here ? I finally got in with 5 min to post and i didnt have to pay but, im sure the other 40 people again all wearing masks were turned away.. So if its free to get in then ?? I just think its wrong to turn 40 people all wearing masks away over 20 min..Whatever !! Stupid rules if...

Went July 3, 2025 for the 4th of July racing and fireworks. Paid $150 for three tables in the clubhouse. App for betting (which if used before no problem) continuously shut down to the point I had to change my linked banking’s password because it messed it up. FINALLY got it to work but you have use Retama’s WiFi to use it. The WiFi kept going out and then finally just stopped working all together. Very frustrating. How do you expect people to go and have fun when the WiFi and app keep crashing? Then fireworks, which looked great. But in the clubhouse they keep the lights very bright so there are reflections in the glass and you can’t really see. And they play music outside but inside all you can hear is people talking no music. At one point the escalator going to third floor shut down , so it was stairs. The only good thing was the drink and food service. It was quick and food was pretty good. But they messed up orders. I’ve been going to Retama since the 90’s. And it’s just continuously goes downhill. It has not been updated, it is rundown, and overall just a terrible experience. Won’t...