Retama Park - Your Horse Racing Destination In Selma

Dr. Eugene Hintz 06 Jul 2025

Are you looking for a place where you can really feel the excitement, a spot where horses run at incredible speeds and the atmosphere is just electric? You know, a place where there's plenty to keep you entertained, whether you're a long-time fan of the races or just looking for something new and fun to do. It’s a pretty special kind of place where you can come and experience a little bit of thrill, or maybe even a whole lot of it, depending on what you’re looking for in your day out.

This spot, Retama Park, is actually a horse racing track located in Selma, Texas, which, you know, makes it a convenient outing for many folks in the area. It first opened its doors quite some time ago, back in 1995, and since then, it has been offering up some really fast-paced quarter horse races. And, you know, for those who like to keep up with races happening elsewhere, they also provide simulcasting, which is basically watching and wagering on races from all over the world, every single day.

So, if you’re thinking about a day out, or even just an evening, Retama Park offers a chance to see some live horse racing action, especially during the summer months when the quarter horses really get going. It's a place that has, you know, been around for a while, facing its own ups and downs, but it continues to be a central part of the horse racing scene in Texas. You can really feel the energy when you are there, and it’s a pretty cool way to spend some time, honestly.

What's the Story Behind Retama Park?
What Types of Races Can You Enjoy at Retama Park?
- Live Racing Excitement at Retama Park
- Year-Round Simulcast Action at Retama Park
How Does Retama Park Operate Day to Day?
Are There Special Events at Retama Park?
- Fun Times and New Management at Retama Park
Planning Your Day at Retama Park
- Dining Choices at Retama Park
- Finding Your Way and Parking at Retama Park

What's the Story Behind Retama Park?

Retama Park, you know, is a place where horses run really fast, a kind of track for them, actually. It's located in Selma, a town in Texas, so it's almost like a local spot for folks there. This place first opened its doors in the year 1995, which was quite some time ago, really. When it comes to what you can see there, they have these races with what are called quarter horses, which are known for their quick sprints. And, too, they also show races from other places, a kind of simulcasting setup, you know, where you can watch and bet on races happening somewhere else.

Over the years, this particular track has, in some respects, faced some pretty tough times, dealing with money matters and even some legal issues. It’s owned by a group called Retama Development Corporation, and the day-to-day running of the place is handled by Penn Entertainment. So, it's basically a joint effort to keep things going. It's pretty interesting how places like this, you know, have such a history and continue to operate even through various challenges.

Actually, Retama Park is a place that has been around for a good while, and it keeps on being a part of the local community. It's been through different phases, and, you know, it’s still here, offering something for people who enjoy horse racing. The fact that it's been going since 1995 just shows, really, how much people appreciate what it offers.

What Types of Races Can You Enjoy at Retama Park?

When you head over to Retama Park, you can expect to see a few different kinds of horse races, which is pretty neat. They have races for thoroughbreds, which are known for their endurance and speed over longer distances. And then, there are the quarter horses, as we mentioned, who are just incredibly fast over shorter sprints, like a quarter-mile, as their name suggests. But that's not all; they also feature Arabian horse racing, which is a bit different and offers its own kind of excitement, honestly.

So, you get a good mix of racing styles, which means there’s probably something for everyone who enjoys watching these amazing animals compete. It’s not just one type of race, you know, but a variety that keeps things interesting throughout the year. You can really get a sense of the different skills and strengths of each horse type, which is quite something to see, actually.

Live Racing Excitement at Retama Park

If you're someone who really loves the feeling of being there, right at the track, then you'll be glad to know that live quarter horse races happen each summer at Retama Park. It's a time when the place truly comes alive with the sound of hooves and the cheers of the crowd. This is when you can experience the thrill of seeing the horses up close, feeling the ground shake a little as they thunder by, and, you know, just soaking in the atmosphere of a live event.

The folks at Retama Park are pretty excited about welcoming fans back to the track, especially as they get ready to celebrate a big milestone: 30 years of live quarter horse racing. That's a lot of history right there, and it’s something to be proud of, really. For the upcoming 2025 season, the very first day of racing is set for Wednesday, June 26th. That day, and the whole weekend that follows, is being planned as a time full of excitement, fun for the whole family, and, of course, some really fast horses. It sounds like a pretty good time, honestly.

Year-Round Simulcast Action at Retama Park

Now, even when there aren't live races happening right there in Selma, Retama Park still has plenty to offer, which is pretty convenient. They have what's called simulcast wagering and races from around the world, which are shown every single day. So, you can, like, keep up with horse racing action no matter the season. This means you can place your bets and watch races that are taking place at other tracks, in different parts of the country, or even across the globe.

The simulcast horse racing schedule typically runs from Wednesday through Sunday. So, if you're looking for some racing action during the week or on the weekend, you can usually find it there. It's a pretty good way to stay connected to the sport all year long, you know, even when the live local races are taking a break. You can truly experience the thrill of horse racing, basically, any day you feel like it at Retama Park, near Selma, Texas.

How Does Retama Park Operate Day to Day?

The daily operations at Retama Park are managed by Penn Entertainment Inc., which, you know, is a company that has a lot of experience with places like this. They are the ones who make sure everything runs smoothly, from the races themselves to all the other things that go into making a visit enjoyable. It takes a lot of people and a lot of effort to keep a place like a racetrack going, and they are basically in charge of all that.

Recently, Retama Park actually made some announcements about changes in its management team as it steps into its 29th season of being open. This means there are some new people in key positions, which can bring fresh ideas and ways of doing things. These changes are part of how the park continues to operate and, you know, tries to improve for its visitors and for the horse racing community.

The track, which opened as a racetrack in 1995, continues to host its quarter horse meet every summer. It also serves as a training center for horses, which is pretty important for the sport, and, as we mentioned, it’s a simulcasting venue. So, it's got several different functions, really, all centered around horses and racing. The management changes involve four specific individuals and their new roles, which shows a pretty clear plan for how they want to move forward.

The northeast San Antonio track has been making several improvements to its facilities. They’ve been focusing on making the stable area better for the horses and their handlers, and also working on the main facility itself, to make it a better place for everyone who visits. These kinds of updates are pretty important for keeping a place like Retama Park in good shape and, you know, making sure it can offer a good experience for years to come.

Are There Special Events at Retama Park?

Retama Park, you know, does more than just regular races. It also hosts various stakes races and other events throughout the year. Stakes races are, basically, races where the prize money is usually pretty significant, and they often draw some of the best horses and riders. These events can be a really big draw for fans and add an extra layer of excitement to the racing calendar. It means there's always something a little bit extra special happening at the track, which is pretty cool.

The park is open every day of the week, which is pretty convenient, except for Christmas Day. So, for most of the year, you can pretty much count on being able to visit and enjoy what they have to offer. The gates usually open at 10:30 in the morning, which gives you plenty of time to get settled before the first races start. However, it's worth noting that times might change a little bit for those special events, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead, just in case.

Fun Times and New Management at Retama Park

One of the special events mentioned is the Service Industry Night, or SIN, which sounds like it could be a lot of fun. This event will feature top bartenders and wait staff from the San Antonio area. They will be competing for a prize of $500 and, you know, some bragging rights, in a race called the Filly Dash and other competitions. It’s a pretty unique way to combine the excitement of the track with a bit of local talent and friendly competition. This kind of event, you know, really adds to the atmosphere and brings in a different crowd, too.

The management at Retama Park seems pretty happy about the upcoming racing meet. Someone mentioned, "I'm pleased that Texas horsemen are excited about our upcoming meet at Retama Park." This kind of statement, you know, shows that there's a good feeling among the people who work with the horses and that they are looking forward to the races. It’s a good sign when the people involved are enthusiastic about what’s coming up.

Planning Your Day at Retama Park

If you're thinking about visiting Retama Park, getting ready for your day can be pretty straightforward. You can find information on how to get there, where to leave your vehicle, and even suggestions for places to stay nearby. Plus, there are details about other attractions in the area that you might want to check out, which could really make your whole day a memorable one. It’s all about helping you have a good experience, you know.

For those who might be new to the world of horse racing, there are resources available to help you feel more comfortable. You can find some basic terms used in racing and some strategies for betting, which can make your day at the races feel a lot more familiar. This is pretty helpful, actually, so you don't feel lost when you get there. It’s like having a little guide to help you understand what’s going on.

You can also find the entries for the races happening today at Retama Park, along with the results from past races. This information is pretty comprehensive, including all the details about betting payouts. The entries themselves provide all the race information you might need for each competition, so you can really keep up with everything that's happening on the track.

Dining Choices at Retama Park

When you get hungry at Retama Park, you'll be glad to know there are quite a few options for food. You’ll find six different dining choices, each with its own kind of appeal. So, whether you're looking for something quick or something a bit more substantial, there’s likely something that will hit the spot. It's good to have variety, you know, so everyone can find something they like to eat while they're enjoying the races.

The first race of the day usually starts at 6:15 in the evening. This means you have plenty of time to arrive, get settled, perhaps grab something to eat, and then get ready for the action to begin. You can also check for the very latest information on things like overnights, condition books, and stall applications, which are details that can be pretty important for those who follow the sport closely.

Finding Your Way and Parking at Retama Park

If you're coming to Retama Park specifically for the simulcast viewing, there’s a particular place where you should park. Guests for simulcast events should park in what's called the VIP lot. This lot is located on the right side of the building when you are facing the front of the facility. Once you’ve parked, you should enter through the valet gate, which is pretty straightforward. This makes it easier for those who are just coming for the simulcast to get in and out without too much trouble, you know.

So, it’s all about making your visit as smooth as possible. Knowing where to park and how to get in can really help start your day off right. It's pretty clear that they want to make it easy for everyone to come and enjoy the races, whether live or simulcast, at Retama Park.

This article has explored Retama Park, a horse racetrack in Selma, Texas, which opened in 1995 and offers quarter horse, thoroughbred, and Arabian races, along with simulcasting. It covered the park's ownership by Retama Development Corporation and management by Penn Entertainment, noting its financial and legal challenges. The text detailed the live quarter horse races each summer, the daily simulcast wagering, and the celebration of 30 years of live racing with the 2025 season opening on June 26th. Information about various stakes races and events, including Service Industry Night, was provided, along with operational enhancements to the stable area and main facility. It also touched on dining options, entry times, and specific parking instructions for simulcast guests. The article mentioned resources for new horse racing fans, including basic terms and betting strategies, and where to find race entries and results.

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