Jack Thistledown Racino facts for kids

Jack Thistledown Racino is a place in North Randall, Ohio, near Cleveland. It's a special kind of entertainment spot because it has both a race track for thoroughbred horses and a casino. It is owned by Vici Properties and run by Jack Entertainment.

A Look Back at Thistledown's History

The race track started being regulated by the Ohio Racing Commission in 1931. This group makes sure horse races are fair and safe. Thistledown is famous for hosting the Ohio Derby. This is the most important horse race in Ohio.

How Horse Racing Works in Ohio

Thistledown is part of a special racing plan in Ohio called the 7/7 Program. This means that horse races happen at two different places in the state at the same time. During the summer, Thistledown holds seven races. Another track, Belterra Park, holds seven more.

In September, Beulah Park takes over for Belterra Park. Horse racing in Ohio usually takes a break from January to March. In recent years, the track faced challenges. This was partly because other tracks nearby had more gaming options like slot machines.

Changes in Ownership

In 2007, the company that owned Thistledown, Magna Entertainment, decided to sell the track. The company was losing a lot of money. They had big financial problems and needed to find ways to keep their business going.

In 2010, Harrah's Entertainment, which is now called Caesars Entertainment, bought Thistledown for $43 million. Later, in 2012, Caesars teamed up with Rock Gaming. They formed a joint company to manage the track.

Becoming a Racino

In June 2012, the state of Ohio made an agreement. This allowed seven race tracks in the state to offer video lottery terminals (VLTs). VLTs are like slot machines. This agreement also allowed some tracks to move to new locations.

In August 2012, Rock Ohio Caesars announced big plans. They would invest $88 million to turn Thistledown into a "racino." A racino is a place with both horse racing and casino games. They planned to create a large gaming area. This area would be about 57,000 square feet. It would have around 1,150 VLTs. The plans also included a restaurant, two food court spots, and a lounge area.

In 2015, Rock Gaming took full control of the partnership. They also announced that their casinos would change their name to "Jack" in 2016. Thistledown closed for one day in March 2016 to become Jack Thistledown Racino.

In 2020, Jack sold Thistledown to Vici Properties. This was a "leaseback" deal. Vici bought Thistledown and another casino for $843 million. Then, they rented the properties back to Jack for $66 million each year. This allows Jack to keep operating them.

On March 13, 2020, the track had to close temporarily. This was due to a state order about large gatherings.

Track Features

The race track at Thistledown has a one-mile dirt oval. This means it's a circular track made of dirt, exactly one mile long. There is no grass track for racing.

Horse Races Held Here

The most important race at Thistledown is the Grade III Ohio Derby. This is a very well-known race. The track also hosts many other races during its racing season. The season usually runs from April to September.

Notable Races and Handicaps

Here are some of the races and handicaps that have been run at Thistledown:

• Angenora Stakes
• Dr. T. F. Classen Memorial Stakes
• Mike Rowland Memorial Handicap
• J. William (Bill) Petro Memorial Handicap
• Cleveland Gold Cup
• Rose DeBartolo Memorial Stakes
• George Lewis Memorial Stakes
• Cleveland Kindergarten Stakes
• Ohio Derby
• Miss Ohio Stakes
• Governor's Buckeye Cup
• Best of Ohio Distaff
• Best of Ohio Endurance
• Best of Ohio Sprint
• Juvenile Stakes
• Honey Jay Stakes

Images for kids

• Exterior of Jack Thistledown Racino

  Exterior of Jack Thistledown Racino