It was an honor to speak at the Texas State Historical Association’s (TSHA) Annual Meeting in March 2026. I participated in the session “We Are Off to the Races! Horse Racing History in Texas,” where I presented on Arlington Downs, one of my favorite local history topics.

If you missed the presentation and or just simply enjoy PDF versions of PowerPoint, it’s your lucky day!

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Arlington Downs: Big-Time Horse Racing in a Small-Town

Abstract || From 1929 to 1937, Arlington Downs—a horse racing track built by rancher and oilman W. T. Waggoner—helped put the small town of Arlington on the map. Drawing thousands of spectators, the track became a hub of excitement, a tourist draw, and a city landmark. This presentation will explore the history of Arlington Downs, from its opening and the success of legalized pari-mutuel betting to its second life as a venue for rodeos and other events. We’ll delve into how this brief era of horse racing shaped Arlington’s identity and how its legacy endures in local history.

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 03-07-26