Hipodromo Camarero is the new name for El Comandante Race Track. It is the only thoroughbred race track in Puerto Rico. If you enjoy horse racing, or just want a fun way to spend a few exciting hours – you can put this on your To-Do list.

The facility is very large – there is plenty of free parking. It seems that during the week (maybe weekends too – I don’t know) most people who like racing, do their betting off-track, so we have noticed the facility is almost empty.

We usually go inside (upstairs) to the Clubhouse, into the air conditioning. There is an area to hang out and watch the races, Winners Sports Bar for a drink or two, a place to get snacks, the betting windows and a nice restaurant. We like to have a leisurely meal there while watching the races. The Terrace restaurant has huge windows that overlook the racetrack, and there are closed circuit TVs at each table if you want a closer view of the action. It is in this area that we saw many of the owners cheering on their horses.

The grandstands are outside – open air seating close to the track to watch the fun. They are multi-leveled seats, so you can see it all – from the parade to show the horses, the race and the winners circle picture taking. There is a concession stand for food and drinks to enjoy during the races.

The races start at about 2:45pm, but they walk the horses around for your perusal about 10 minutes before each race. Get a program and pick your horse! Then they trot the horses off to the starting gates. All this time, the betting windows are open and they continuously update the odds.

There are races 5 days a week (not Tuesdays or Thursdays). Post time on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday is 2:45pm, and Sunday is 2:15pm. The last race is usually at 6:00pm. So get there a little before that to catch the whole pageantry of the race.

The facility is well landscaped, with palms and a little lake in the middle of the track oval. El Yunque mountains make a pretty backdrop to the fun.

Parking is free, and there are no entrance fees.

Post time on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday is 2:45pm. Post time on Sunday is 2:15pm. Closed Tuesday and Thursday. Last race is around 6:00pm.

Phone number is 787-876-2450

Gamble responsibly.

Located on Rt 3, in Canovanas, only 12 miles east of San Juan. Take Rt 66 until the end (at Belz Factory Outlets), then turn left onto Rt 3. The entrance is on the left.

The racetrack is about 15 minutes from our vacation rental in Rio Grande.