Rillito Downs is an historical landmark where quarter horse racing was born over 50 years ago. Many racing innovations happened at this park such as the photo finish.
Bob Baffert's first thoroughbred winner, Flipper Star, won here on January 29, 1979. Other world famous sprinters who raced here were Shu Fly, Joe Reed II, Piggin String, Hard Twist, and Queenie.
In addition to quarter horses, thoroughbreds and Arabians also run at Rillito.
The racing season lasts from January through the first of March.
The "chute" is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.