Charles Town Races History

When Charles Town commenced operations on December 2, 1933, it was the only winter-operating-track in America. The Charles Town grandstand and clubhouse were completely enclosed and heated in 1960. The track was sold to Shenandoah Corporation in 1972, while 'Sunday Racing' was introduced in 1979.

In 1981, there was a record turnout of 21,480 spectators in Charles Town, who came to watch the Sugar Ray Leonard - Thomas Hearns' boxing match on closed circuit television. The West Virginia Breeders' Classics was started in 1987. The racetrack was put up for sale in 1995. Penn National Gaming Incorporation agreed to purchase the racetrack if Jefferson County approved the installation of video lottery terminals. Two months after the vote passed on November 5, 1996, Penn National Gaming Incorporation bought the racetrack.

The Silver Screen Gaming® Center was inaugurated on September 10, 1997 with 220 operating video lottery terminals. Also, new barns were constructed and old barns were repaired. In January 1998, Longshots, the multi-million dollar simulcast center, was opened and live racing was back. New gaming areas, an indoor parking garage, food court, and more have now been introduced at Charles Town.