Nothing can match the gracefulness and beauty of a running horse… it is sheer poetry in motion.
Perhaps that is why thousands of fans each and every day come to Gulfstream Park… to witness the immeasurable strength as the track dirt swirls around their pounding hooves. For over 70 years, Gulfstream Park has been one of North America’s most prominent horseracing sites, hosting some of Florida’s most prestigious racing stakes. The world’s top thoroughbred contenders have passed through Gulfstream Park with their eye on the Triple Crown glory. One hundred sixty national thoroughbred champions have competed at Gulfstream Park, and more are expected to be part of the track’s illustrious history in the future.
After a $171.5 million renovation, in 2004, Gulfstream Park added on two floors of casinos, and today, fans catch all the slots and poker action they could ever want… 365 days a year.
Recently, Tim Ritvo, president and General Manager of Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino, welcomed over 300 members of the Aventura Marketing Council at their breakfast meeting held in the beautiful Ten Palms Dining Room. “We are as proud of this facility as you are of your cities of Aventura and Hallandale Beach,” he said. “As you know, Gulfstream Park is in a double-county, double-city location, and it’s very important to us to become part of the communities we serve. We’re here to build great relationships for the future.”
Also in attendance was Gulfstream Park’s Vice President, Jan Hansen, who has already been reaching out to the neighboring communities to ensure great partnership are being developed.
And the community has been finding out about the wonderful options that Gulfstream Park offers… not only for first-class thoroughbred racing and casino entertainment, but for the variety of restaurants and venues available or social and corporate functions. In addition to the Ten Palms Dining Room, there’s the stunning Sport of Kings Room, complete with a stage and amazing sound system. Major stars are scheduled to appear there, including Cee Lo Green and Alicia Keys.
Keynote speaker for the morning’s meeting was Ralph Pagano, Executive Chef at Ten Palms Restaurant. “When I came to Florida after travelling the nation, I knew it was here that I wanted to settle down,” said Pagano. “Every day I look outside to see the sun rising and the horses ‘breezing’ on this beautiful track… it just doesn’t get any better!” Pagano is a renowned alumni of TV’s hit shows, “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Iron Chef,” as well as host of his own TV show, “Pressure Cook,” where he travels around the nation and cooks his way home. He also has a radio show on 105.9FM with Paul and Young Ron.
“There is that special moment,” added Pagano, “whether 30,000 fans are screaming for their horse to win, and it doesn’t matter whether you have a $2 ticket in your hand or a $20 ticket… you’re a winner!”
For more information on Gulfstream Park, visit gulfstreampark.com or call 954. 454.7000
