Yavapai Downs Racetrack
Yavapai Downs Racetrack is a one mile thoroughbred and quarter horse track in Prescott Valley, Arizona. It stands on a 200-acre site at the base of the Mingus Mountains and projects the image of being an oasis in the desert.
Yavapai Downs Racetrack holds horseracing from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During the off-season, Yavapai Downs Racetrack hosts other events including horse and dog shows, barrel races and exhibitions.
The town of Prescott Valley is one of the fastest growing towns in the U.S. It is located in Yavapai County in Central Arizona and is approximately 85 miles north of Phoenix. It is very near the city of Prescott, the gem of the county that has hosted horseracing since 1959 at the old Prescott Downs track.
Yavapai Downs Racetrack Facts
- One mile oval
- Two separate stall areas
- Distance from last turn to finish line: 1,020 feet
- 85,000 square foot three story grandstand & club house
- Barn area accommodates 1,500 horses
- 50,000 square foot Equestrian Center & Fairgrounds
- Grandstands have an area of 85,000 square feet
Yavapai Downs Racetrack History
1959-2000 - Prescott Downs was the home of summer horseracing in this area of Arizona. As it was located in the midst of the booming city of Prescott, it was unable to expand to the size needed. Prescott Downs closed in September 2000. A new site was found in the nearby town of Prescott Valley and the new track was named Yavapai Downs Racetrack at Prescott Valley.
2001 - Over 35,000 people were on hand for the grand opening of Yavapai Downs Racetrack at Prescott Valley over the Memorial Day weekend. Betting for the inaugural day of racing reached $580,755.
2002 to present - Three years after it opened, Yavapai Downs Racetrack has been drawing in thoroughbred and quarter horseracing enthusiasts from throughout the southwest.
