The Charles Town Races has announced its 2025 stakes schedule, featuring a series of prestigious events and the introduction of an early Pick 5 betting option. Approved by the West Virginia Racing Commission, these updates promise to enhance both racing excitement and wagering opportunities for enthusiasts. The highlight of the year will be the co-featured Grade 2 Charles Town Classic and Oaks on August 22, with additional high-stakes races and an extended racing calendar offering ample entertainment.
With a total purse exceeding $3.6 million across 20 stakes races, Charles Town is set to deliver an exhilarating season. The new early Pick 5 wager, available nightly starting March 6, adds an extra layer of engagement for bettors. Since consolidating the Classic and Oaks into one day in 2020, the track has seen record-breaking handle figures, setting the stage for another memorable year in 2025.
August Showdown: A Night of Prestigious Stakes Races
The pinnacle of the 2025 racing calendar will be the combined card of the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic and Oaks on August 22. This event marks the continuation of a successful format introduced in 2020, where both premier races are held on the same day. The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. EST, providing fans with an unforgettable night of top-tier competition. Skippylongstocking, the reigning champion of the Classic, aims to make history by becoming the first three-time winner.
Both the Charles Town Classic and Oaks have garnered significant attention in recent years. Skippylongstocking's back-to-back victories in the Classic have solidified his legacy, while Mystic Lake's triumph in the Oaks last year further elevated the prestige of this race. Mystic Lake went on to win the Inside Information Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park, positioning her as a leading contender in the female sprint division. Joining these marquee events are the Robert Hilton Memorial and Misty Bennett Pink Ribbon Stakes, ensuring a night filled with thrilling action. Since 2020, this consolidated card has produced five of the six largest single-card handles in track history, underscoring its popularity among racing fans.
New Betting Opportunities and Expanded Racing Schedule
Charles Town is enhancing the wagering experience with the introduction of an early Pick 5, available nightly starting from March 6. This new betting option covers the first five races of each card, offering horseplayers an exciting way to engage early in the evening. The wager features a competitive 12% takeout rate, aligning it with the popular late Pick 5. This addition complements the already robust daily wagering menu and promises to attract more bettors.
The 2025 racing calendar spans 160 days, with a flexible schedule that accommodates various preferences. Races will be held Wednesday through Saturday in January, February, November, and December, switching to Thursday through Saturday for the remainder of the year. Post time for most evenings is set at 7 p.m. EST, except for the special 5 p.m. start on Classic and Oaks day. The stakes schedule begins on April 12 with the Original Gold Stakes for West Virginia-bred fillies and mares, followed by several other state-bred stakes throughout the spring and summer. Additionally, the West Virginia Breeders’ Classics XXXIX on October 11 will cap off the year with a showcase of local talent, though specific purse amounts for this event are yet to be announced. With these enhancements, Charles Town aims to provide an unparalleled racing and betting experience for all attendees.