The racetrack, previously the center of Havana’s bustling gambling scene, symbolized the city’s luxurious lifestyle in the early 20th century.
The history of the Oriental Park Racetrack intertwines with the history of Havana. It provides a glimpse into the social, cultural, and political forces that shape the city’s past.
In this blog post, we will look at the rise and fall of the Oriental Park Racetrack. We’ll take you from its early days as a glamorous playground for the wealthy to its eventual decline and abandonment.
The Oriental Park Racetrack was a horse racing track in Havana, Cuba. It opened in 1915 and quickly became one of the most popular attractions in the city, drawing both locals and tourists alike.
With a stunning American Beaux-Arts style, imagine grandstands, clubhouses, and other amenities on par with the most luxurious racetracks in the world.
The track was initially owned by the Havana-American Jockey Club, a consortium of American and Cuban investors attracted to the city’s growing gambling industry.
Oriental Park Racetrack was a place for horse racing and served as a center for socializing and entertainment, with regular events, parties, and concerts at the venue.
The track operated for several decades but eventually fell into disrepair and was abandoned in the 1950s. Today, the site of Oriental Park Racetrack serves as a reminder of Havana’s glamorous past and the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The history of Oriental Park Racetrack
The Oriental Park Racetrack has a fascinating history reflecting Havana, Cuba’s changing social and political landscape.
The racecourse opened in Havana, Cuba, in 1915. This came about to cater to the growing demand for horse racing, a popular form of entertainment in Havana then.
The construction took around 18 months. The racetrack was designed by architects Osvaldo Torrado and Pedro Martínez Inclán in the American Beaux-Arts style.
What type of racing took place here?
The Oriental Park Racetrack in Havana, Cuba, was primarily used for Thoroughbred horse racing.
Thoroughbred racing is a popular type of horse racing involving purebred horses specially bred for racing. It’s known for its speed and grace and is a popular spectator sport in many parts of the world.
The Oriental Park Racetrack had a track that measured 1 mile in length. It hosted many prestigious races, including the Cuban Derby and the President’s Cup. It was a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts and high society in Havana during its heyday.
Some of the most famous races and winners at Havana’s Oriental Park Racetrack
The Oriental Park Racetrack in Havana, Cuba, was known for hosting many prestigious horse races during its heyday, including the Cuban Derby and the President’s Cup. Here are some of the most famous races and notable winners in the history of the Oriental Park Racetrack:
Cuban Derby
The Cuban Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races at the Oriental Park Racetrack, was first run in 1913. This is two years before the racetrack’s opening. Some notable winners of the Cuban Derby include:
1920
“Kublai Khan” won the Cuban Derby, ridden by jockey Albert Johnson.
1931
“Petee-Wrack” won the Cuban Derby, ridden by jockey George Archibald.
1958
“I’m Splashed” won the Cuban Derby, ridden by jockey Eddie Arcaro. This was the last Cuban Derby run at the Oriental Park Racetrack.
President’s Cup
The President’s Cup is another prestigious horse race at Oriental Park Racetrack. 1920 saw the first running, with the race honoring the President of Cuba. Some notable winners of the President’s Cup include:
1924
“Reigh Count” won the President’s Cup, ridden by jockey Albert Johnson. Reigh Count would later go on to win the Kentucky Derby in 1928.
1934
“Rosemont” won the President’s Cup, ridden by jockey Ted Atkinson.
1957
“Bold Ruler” won the President’s Cup, ridden by jockey Eddie Arcaro. Bold Ruler would later become a famous sire of Thoroughbred racehorses, including the legendary Secretariat.
Why did Havana’s Oriental Park Racetrack close its doors?
The Oriental Park Racetrack in Havana, Cuba, closed in 1959 following the Cuban Revolution.
After Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, he enacted a series of socialist policies that included nationalizing many industries, including the gambling industry. This led to the closure of Havana’s casinos and racetracks, including the Oriental Park Racetrack.
The new government viewed gambling as detrimental to society and sought to eliminate it.
In addition to the political changes that led to its closure, the Oriental Park Racetrack was facing declining attendance and financial difficulties in the years leading up to its closure.
Today, the site of the Oriental Park Racetrack is home to the Ciudad Deportiva sports complex, which includes a stadium, swimming pool, and other athletic facilities.
Is horse racing still prevalent in Cuba despite the close of Oriental Park Racetrack?
Horse racing is not currently popular in Cuba. After the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro’s government outlawed gambling and horse racing, and the industry has not been revived since then.
There are no active racetracks in Cuba and no legal framework for betting on horse racing or any other form of gambling.
However, there have been discussions about the possibility of reviving the horse racing industry in Cuba in recent years, with some proponents arguing that it could be a source of revenue and tourism for the country.
Nevertheless, horse racing remains illegal in Cuba, and there is no active industry or infrastructure to support it.
A glimpse at Havana’s past: the Oriental Park Racetrack
The Oriental Park Racetrack was one of the world’s most iconic and prestigious horse racing venues, located in Havana, Cuba. It hosted many famous races, including the Cuban Derby and the President’s Cup, and attracted visitors from around the world to its luxurious amenities and world-class horse racing.
Unfortunately, it was forced to close in 1959 due to the Cuban Revolution and the government’s decision to outlaw gambling and horse racing. Although there have been discussions about the possibility of reviving the horse racing industry in Cuba, currently, there are no active racetracks or legal framework for gambling on horse racing in the country.
The Oriental Park Racetrack remains a significant part of Havana’s cultural heritage, and its legacy lives on in the memories of those who enjoyed its glamorous atmosphere and thrilling races.
