Hipódromo de las Américas

Hipódromo de las Américas is a racetrack for thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing. It’s so large that it constitutes a district all on its own. This is in the west of Mexico City bordering the Polanco and Granada neighborhoods. The racetrack grounds are home, most notably, to the giant Centro Citibanamex convention center (at upper right in the photo above). But there are also a casino, a military hospital, and a kids’ theme park too.

The track first opened in 1943. It was thoroughly renovated in 1996, but it’s still home to the original grandstand. Seating accomodates some 20,000 spectators. The stables will hold up to 1,700 animals. The track is most famous for running the Mexican Derby, though the most important classic is the Handicap of the Americas. This is run over 1 1/16 of a mile, or 1.7 km. The track has a total length of 1,408 meters (7 furlongs) and can run up to 14 horses per race.

Races are held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from late January through to mid-December.

The track was built to replace those at Peralvillo and La Condesa. These disappeared during the Mexican Revolution. The Hipódromo de las Américas also counts with four restaurants, terraces and box seating. Management also makes a special effort to accommodate families and beginning racing fans.