racing with artificial lights since when

[BenB]

Iam joining a quizz overhere, but this is a tricky question.

Who helps me out?

[wilf]

I think that you mean does anyone know when night racing first started in this country. Actually that's a good question Ben, I am sure there are several members here that can shed some light on the subject.

[BenB]

Wilf, thanks for helping me out. Night racing , it is called.

[wilf]

I have searched all over for answers Ben and nothing has come up about the history of night racing. I do know that tracks like the Meadowlands and Penn National have raced under lights since the mid seventies and it is so commonplace over here at many tracks in several states that the trainers,jockeys and grooms just accept it and live accordingly . Overseas in places like England and Australia I am sure that it was a slow transition because of the extra costs to employers in overtime wages. How they finally sorted it out I do not know. I for one love night racing in the summer as it is a respite from the oppressive heat and humidity of the day. I see that Colonial Downs in Virginia is installing lights to attract larger crowds but if ever a track needed night racing it surely is that one as the heat and humidity is stifling.

[Joltman]

Harness racing under the lights started in the 1950s (Roosevelt raceway in NY I believe). The Meadows harness track had a thoroughbred meet a couple of seasons in the 60s (?) and they raced thoroughbreds under the lights. In the same era, Mountaineer Park was Waterford, they raced at night as well. Commodore Downs in Erie Pa also raced under the lights. It was common in a lot of these low-level places Defunct Shenandoah Downs which was next door to Charles Town also had night lights.

that's what comes from the memory banks

jm

[BenB]

I found something about excact dates on the net