Centreville+Racetrack



The Centreville Race Track - Opened in 1825, originally under the name The Eclipse Course, this track was used for both thoroughbred and harness racing. While it was not as famous as the Union Course racetrack, it was still the scene of much excitement. The famous horse Dexter did much of his trotting here (and raced under saddle at Union Course).

Because of a lack of hotels and alternate entertainment (and also due to the proximity of the Union Course) the Eclipse had periods where business was so poor it looked like it would close. The name was changed to Centreville to promote the concept that it sat in the center of town. But the name failed to change its fortunes and the track finally closed in 1899, the land sold off and divided into lots for houses and small businesses. Centreville Playground in Ozone Park (on Albert Rd. between 96th and Centerville Streets) is named after the track.

Note: The race track was generally referred to as Centreville, but the street that was named after it took the alternate spelling of Centerville, leading to some confusion over the years.

back to Old Woodhaven Village  Because of a lack of hotels and alternate entertainment (and also due to the proximity of the Union Course) the Eclipse had periods where business was so poor it looked like it would close. The name was changed to Centreville to promote the concept that it sat in the center of town. But the name failed to change its fortunes and the track finally closed in 1899, the land sold off and divided into lots for houses and small businesses. Centreville Playground in Ozone Park (on Albert Rd. between 96th and Centerville Streets) is named after the track. Note: The race track was generally referred to as Centreville, but the street that was named after it took the alternate spelling of Centerville, leading to some confusion over the years. ||
 * The Centreville Race Track - Opened in 1825, originally under the name The Eclipse Course, this track was used for both thoroughbred and harness racing. While it was not as famous as the Union Course racetrack, it was still the scene of much excitement. The famous horse Dexter did much of his trotting here (and raced under saddle at Union Course).