A Day at Panama's Hipodromo

There have been horse races at the Presidente Remon Hipodromo since 1956 as well as documented racing events at a variety of sites in Panama since the 1880. The track is only ten minutes from downtown Panama City using Corridor Sur. Entry to the grandstands is $2. Entry to the VIP area with the best view of the finishing line, TV monitors carrying races from other tracks, and convenient betting only requires that your total wagering be $20 for the day. Work of caution if you decide to head out Via España from El Centro instead of taking the expressway. The track is in the barrio of Juan Diaz which is half way to the airport in Tocumen so an hour of stop and go traffic on Via España is not uncommon.

The track facilities are open even when races are not taking place as one can bet on races occurring elsewhere. The Presidente Remon Hipodromo has a casino on the premises as well as a several restaurants, both in and out of doors. A plate full of langostino, rice, and lettuce salad cost $5 and a bottle of Atlas beer is $1.25 at one of the outdoor facilities near the grandstand. There is ample parking and the sports complex in which the hipodromo is located is easy to get to.

 The betting at the hipodromo included bets to win, place, or show, exactas (chosing the winner and second place), trifectas (choosing the first three places correctly) and bets on sequential races such as a pick three where you choose the winners of three consecutive races.

 The hipodromo had an enthusiastic line of betters and winners last Saturday in five races. A constant crowd watched the horses in the paddock before each race, often running to the betting window to place a wager before the race started. You can take photos but it is wise not not use a flash. Some of the crowd, such as 90 year old Hector J. Conte, who has seen races at the hipodromo every year since 1956, come as much for the show as for the betting. There are families out for the day and there are the serious wagerers with programs and hand written notes i hand checking out the horses in the paddock before each race. Folks down the line from the grandstand seemed as interested in their hamburger and beer and conversation with their buddies as the serious players were with their wagers.

The track web site lists race days for the month, http://www.hipodromo.com/. Click "Informacion de Carreras" on the menu. Although Saturday had four races there was only one listed for Sunday. However, the casino is open all day and off track betting is also available even when there are no races at Presidente Remon Hipodromo. 

The track is part of the Irving Saladino sports complex including the the Roberto Duran arena, the Rommel Fernandez stadium, and the Eyleen Coparropa pool. The general information numbers for the track are 300-2600 and 217-6060.

To get to the race track take Corridor Sur out of the city to Juan Diaz and just past the sports complex exit on Calle 125 E. Follow 125 E to your left to Avenida José Arango (Via España) and turn left again at the sign for the Presidente Remón Hipodromo on 121 E. The track facilities are two blocks in.

You can also reach the track by going out Via España (Turns into José Arango) and turning right into the entrance but the route is prone to heavy traffic and is a lot slower than the expressway. Whatever route you take, a look at google maps, Panama City, Juan Diaz, satellite view, will give you a nice overview of just where the hipodromo is.

A special thanks to David Fuentes of the hipodromo staff for showing my wife and I around the facility before things got busy and to 90 year old Hector J. Contes who is living proof that an abiding interest in the horses is good for your health and longevity. Thanks to my wife for putting up with numerous photos.