River Downs

I came here as part of bachelorette festivities for a friend in August and let me just say, wow were we overdressed. We got looks and stares from the second we walked in I think all of the girls were in sundresses and I was the only one in a nice pair of shorts and top. First off, this was most of ours, if not all of ours’ first time to a race track. I thought you dressed semi decent? I mean I know the people in the stands at the Derby are the rich folks and over do it and the college kids are in the center pit dressed like white trash, on purpose (or maybe I’m thinking of Indy?). But here, 85% of the people were dressed like white trash, but not in a funny or ironic way. We sat over by the tiki bar and alcohol prices were reasonable given a sporting event. Food prices were fine as well but my god did it all look nasty and like it had been sitting out for days. I was desperate and hungry and it was pretty damn hot/​humid that day and knew I needed to eat. I had a bratwurst. It tasted like a flavorless bratwurst and I didn’t die or get sick from eating it. The facilities are old. Since I’ve never been to a racetrack besides this one, I have nothing to compare it to. I think if I ever return w/​a group of friends we’ll make sure to make it themed dressed, white trash style. There’s good people watching here too. It is evident there are people here w/​a gambling addiction, which is kinda sad. I was very happy about there not being an entrance or ticket fee.

As part of my cousin’s bachelor party this past Saturday we spent the better part of the afternoon down at River Downs to take in some horse racing. This was actually my first time at River Downs, though I have been to Turfway once before. There is no entry fee and there are no employees at the gates checking bags, so entry is perfectly painless. Our group arrived on a school bus, taking the long way to get there, so we missed the first race of the day. I sat out betting on the second race and eventually placed a trifecta bet on the third race after finding the ATM.
I didn’t win this time, and that trend continued for the fourth and fifth races too. We spent the majority of the time hanging out near the rail on the paved standing area in front of the open air grandstand. Beers were just $ 4.50, which is much better than most other sporting events. And since they didn’t check anyone coming in, I wonder if some patrons didn’t sneak in some of their own beer in the multiple coolers that I saw throughout the day.
My luck changed during the sixth race of the day. After coming close to winning on one of the earlier races, and paying attention to what my program was saying versus the results of the day, I started catching on. Or at least I thought I was starting to understand it all. Most of my bets were either trifecta bets, or I would occasionally pick one horse to win, place, or show, as I did in the sixth race. In my program the #6 horse was listed as 10 – 1 odds to win, and a couple of minutes before post the large board in the infield displayed the odds as much higher, over 20 – 1.
Once I saw this I ran to one of the automated machines and bought the ticket above. I thought that maybe there was something that I wasn’t picking up on that lowered the odds, but I figured it was worth a few bucks to find out. As the race started horse #6 was nowhere near the front of the back. The board only updates for the first ¾ of the race at best, so as the horses all come toward the finish line it is really hard to tell who is in the lead. As this race came to a close I watched as #6 charged up the inside rail and won the race! I had won $ 124.80!
With just two races after that, I made a couple of bucks off the seventh race and was then put in charge of making a bet for my dad, brother, and I who pooled some money together. Again I went with the win place show bet, and nearly won again as the horse I selected finished in fourth place. Bummer. We had a great time and I look forward to going down to the track again in the future. Kim has already said that she wants to go too.

From the start knock down your expectations a few pegs and then knock them down a few more for good measure, this isn’t Keeneland, Churchill Downs or even like the race parks you’ve seen in movies (most recently Bounty Hunter comes to mind), this is River Downs. It is an older facility with little updating and that’s what I find so charming, that it looks similar to what it did when my grandparents took us as kids (don’t judge).
If you’ve never bet on the ponies, this is a good place to start with free parking, free admission, $ 2 for your race book, $ 2 bets and the option to bring your own picnic lunch. I cannot comment on the concessions because it is there’s an option to bring my own food, I’m on it (for nutritional reasons).
Not a gambler? Then the people watching is sure to delight, you will see clientele you’ve never laid eyes on at other entertainment venues, but it takes all types to populate Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, right?!
We find something for the whole family at River Downs, pony rides for kids and the ability to get down on the rail during live racing. Shade and tables for the older family members to sit and eat a picnic lunch (no alcohol or glass can be brought in) between races while studying the race book. It’s an annual summer trip for us!

Not the most glamorous, but still very cool!
A trip to River Downs was a perfect way to spend a couple hours on a rare Sunday off (for me, that is). Granted I might be a bit partial since my boy Lew works their with momma Jazz, but still — attendance is free, concessions aren’t awful expensive, although I suggest bringing a nice picnic — and free pony rides! (look for the huge Bay, 17 hands and gorgeous– that’s Lew!). And horse racing– too cool!!! Place two dollar bets or just fake ‘em and watch!

Maybe, I’ve been spoiled by the more lovely race tracks on the south side of the river, but I wasn’t too impressed by River Downs. Could be that I’m not a gambler and don’t know much about horse-​racing (which is kinda sacrilege for a Kentuckian), but I can think of better recreational activities to fill my day than a trip to River Downs.
River Downs does have a few noteworthy entries in the annals of horse-​racing history. The legendary Seabiscuit raced the course in 1936 and renowned rider Steve Cauthen, who went on to become the youngest jockey to sweep the Triple Crown, began his career here in 1976.
Admission and regular parking is free everyday. Live thoroughbred racing is held everyday except Mondays and Wednesdays from mid-​April through Labor Day, and simulcasting is also available.