History
Rancher and oilman W. T. Waggoner opened Arlington Downs on his Three D's Stock Farm in November 1929, with a 6,000-seat grandstand. He and his sons campaigned for parimutuel betting, which Texas legalized in the 1930s.
The legislature repealed parimutuel betting in 1937 and the track was sold. It hosted rodeos and other events until its buildings were razed in 1958, and a historical marker was placed at the site in 1978.
Timeline
- November 1929Track opens[1]
W. T. Waggoner's track opened on his Three D's Stock Farm.
- 1933
Texas legalized parimutuel betting and issued its first permit to Arlington Downs.
- December 11, 1934Waggoner dies[1]
W. T. Waggoner died.
- 1937
The legislature repealed parimutuel betting and the track was sold to developers; it was then used for rodeos and other events.
- 1958
The buildings were razed.
- 1978
A Texas historical marker was placed on the site.
The site today
| Physical status | Demolished[1,2] |
|---|---|
| Mapped location | Approximate historic location |
We have not verified what occupies the site today. Know? Tell us, with a source.
Venue facts
| Location | 2225 East Randol Mill Rd., Arlington (historical marker), Arlington, Texas[2] |
|---|---|
| Venue type | Racetrack |
| Sports | Horse racing |
| Level | Thoroughbred |
| Opened | November 1929[1] |
| Last used for sports | 1937[1] |
| Demolished | 1958[1,2] |
| Physical status | Demolished |
| Original capacity | 6,000[1,2] |
| Capacity notes | 6,000-seat grandstand. |
| Surface | 1¼-mile track (per historical marker) |
| Owner / operator | W. T. Waggoner |
| Closure | Texas repealed parimutuel betting in 1937. |
Sources
- Arlington Downs, Wikipedia. Accessed 2026-10-19Supports: capacity, closed, demolished, events, opened
- Site of Arlington Downs Racetrack (Atlas Number 5439004724), Texas Historical Commission. Accessed 2026-10-19Supports: address, capacity, coordinates, demolished, events
Research confidence
Some facts on this page rely on a single source or are still being corroborated. Treat specific dates and figures with care. Last reviewed 2026-10-19.
Where sources disagree (1)
- The historical marker dates legal parimutuel betting to 1934-1937; Wikipedia says it was legalized in 1933.
See something wrong or missing? Suggest a correction or submit a source.