Details

• Marker: Site of Arlington Downs Racetrack
• Location: Arlington Downs Tower – 2225 E. Randol Mill Road – in Arlington.
• Date Visited: 06-23-24
• Notes: Although the structures were razed in 1958, the name “Arlington Downs” lives on in this Texas Historical Marker, the adjacent office building, a street name (Arlington Downs Road), and a nearby townhome community. A horse trough is located nearby from Arlington Downs, which is one of the largest tangible items remaining from the racetrack.

---

Site of Arlington Downs Racetrack

Marker text:

Wealthy rancher and oilman W. T. Waggoner (1852-1934) developed a stable of fine Thoroughbreds and quarter horses at his ranch here in the 1920s. At this site, he built Arlington Downs, a one-and-one-quarter mile race track with a 6,000-seat grandstand. Racing days drew thousands of spectators, including numerous celebrities. Waggoner and his sons Guy (1883-1950) and Paul (1889-1967) campaigned for pari-mutuel betting, which was legalized in Texas from 1934 to 1937. The Racetrack was used for rodeos and other events before the buildings were razed in 1958. (1978)

---