Aqueduct Racetrack - Horse Racing Track in South Ozone Park, Queens

Aqueduct Racetrack is a horse racing track in South Ozone Park, New York, in the borough of Queens, where thoroughbreds race from October to May.

Though less famous than nearby Belmont, Aqueduct hosts excellent racing, including the Wood Memorial every April, a test of three-year-olds headed to the Kentucky Derby.

• 84th Running of the Wood Memorial, April 5, 2008

• Map to Aqueduct Racetrack (Google Maps)

Aqueduct's Fall Season runs from late October until December 31 with post times at 12:30 p.m.

Winter/Spring Season is from January 1 to Sunday, April TBA. Post times are 12:30 p.m. from January 1 to March 6, and 1 p.m. from March 9 to May 1.

• During the winter racing is on the inner track. Usually by early March the horses move to the main track.
• No races on most Mondays and Tuesdays, called "Dark Mondays" and "Dark Tuesdays," except for holidays. See official Aqueduct's site for all schedule details.
• Gates Open: 11 a.m.

One of the best times to visit is the winter. Admission is free from January 2 to early March and parking is free too.

If you go on a sunny winter day, it's a lot of fun to watch the horses race. Cold, windy, wet days are another story. You will be outdoors unless you pay to enter the clubhouse.

A day at the races is also great for people-watching.

• Grandstand Admission: $1
• Free from January 2 to March 7.
• Clubhouse Admission: $2
• Skyline Club: $3
• Free admission for children under 12

• Main Course: 1 1/8 Miles
• Inner Dirt Course: 1 Mile
• Turf Course: 7/8 Mile
• Attendance Capacity: 40,000
• Trackside Dining: 1,200

Planning to bet at Aqueduct? You may only wager with cash, no credit cards.

Subway:

• The A train to Aqueduct North Conduit Avenue, or
• The A train -- north-bound only -- to the Aqueduct Racetrack Station. Subway stops at this station only on race days, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Courtesy bus service is available to the Admission Gate from the subway.

Buses:

• Q7, Q11, Q37, Q41.

• Map to Aqueduct Racetrack (Google Maps)
• Address - 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, South Ozone Park, NY 11420

From the Van Wyck: Exit 3, Linden Blvd. and follow signs to track.

From the Belt Parkway: East-bound Exit 19. West-bound Exit 18-B (Lefferts Blvd.). Then follow signs to track.

From Manhattan: Midtown Tunnel to the LIE-East (or the Triborugh Bridge to the Grand Central) > to the Van Wyck South > Exit #3 Linden Blvd. > Turn right on Linden and follow signs to track.

Parking: General parking is $1.

• Free from January 2 to March 7
• Clubhouse Preferred Parking is $5 total.
• Valet Parking is $5.

Aqueduct opened on September 27, 1894, when Queens was still farmland and independent of New York City. In 1941 a new clubhouse and track offices were built. In 1959 a new track, the "Big A," opened up. In 1975 the inner track opened for winter racing.

There are a range of food options at Aqueduct, from concession stands and deli, to a sports bar, and all the way to the upscale Equestris Restaurant.

• For reservations at Equestris Restaurant call 718-529-8700.
• Proper attire is required at Equestris.

Aqueduct Race Track
110-00 Rockaway Blvd
South Ozone Park, NY 11417

Mailing Address:
New York Racing Association
PO Box 90
Jamaica NY 11417

NYRA plans to inaugurate video slot machine gambling at Aqueduct in 2007, but there seems little chance of this happening in the near future. This would be the only legal slot machine gambling in New York City.