We don’t think there is a sadder place in terms of horse racing in the USA than Michigan. We are talking about a state with a century-old history that has vanished before our eyes. Why? Well, most of the horse racing tracks in Michigan have been permanently closed.
It seems that the Sport of Kings has been slowly dying here, and this year we’ve put the last nail in the coffin.
Still, let’s focus on the good parts of the horse racing culture of Michigan. Although the locals would have to travel to a different state to attend a horse racing event, we still can pay tribute to the legendary tracks that this state has that still stand.
And who knows, maybe the tide will shift, and we will see a huge burst of horse racing popularity that might lead to reviving these legendary tracks, although highly unlikely.
So, which were the most popular horse racing tracks in Michigan?
Let’s find out.
Northville Downs: A Century of Racing Legacy Lost to History
This is Michigan’s oldest the most recently active horse racing track that is located in Northville. This is a historic venue where horse racing grew as a sport in Michigan. We are talking about a track that is close to 100 years old and a track that focuses primarily on harness racing.
The hot season started in March and lasted until October when fans got events scheduled every Friday and Saturday. So, there was a lot of horse racing here!
Unfortunately, this racetrack is now closed and Northville Downs held its final races on February 3, 2024, after more than 80 years of operation. It is a sad story even for non-horse racing fans. This closure marked the end of pari-mutuel horse racing in the state.
So, if you are from Michigan, and want to place a horse racing bet, the only option now is to visit TwinSpires.com.
With that said, we still don’t know what is going to happen with this racetrack. Most of the tracks that were closed in Michigan already were sold to other companies, but here the situation remains status quo.
There is some optimism that Northville Downs might relocate and potentially resume operations elsewhere in Michigan, but no specific plans have been finalized yet. On top of that, such a project would cost a lot of money (millions) and I don’t think that the horse racing culture in Michigan is good enough to make this profitable for investors.
Hazel Park (Now Closed but Legendary)
Hazel Park Raceway, a historic gem in Michigan’s horse racing landscape, was built in 1949, initially as a harness racing venue. In 1953, it transitioned into a dual-purpose track, hosting both Thoroughbred and harness racing events. Located just outside Detroit, Hazel Park enjoyed decades of success, becoming a popular destination for fans seeking live racing action under the lights, until it closed in 2018.
Where did things start to go wrong?
Like many tracks across the U.S., Hazel Park struggled with dwindling fan attendance as alternative entertainment options, including online gambling and casinos, grew in popularity.
Michigan’s horse racing industry was already on shaky ground due to the lack of racinos (racetracks with integrated casinos), which had revitalized racing in states like Ohio and Indiana.
The final nail in the coffin was the sale of Hazel Park’s property to industrial developers. The track’s land was repurposed for commercial use, leaving fans and stakeholders disappointed
Opening during the Great Recession of 2008 was unfortunate timing. The economic challenges made it difficult to attract investors and fans. Also, the track was built on land owned by Wayne County, and the county lost around $36 million when it failed.
Mount Pleasant Meadows
Mount Pleasant Meadows, situated in central Michigan, catered to a niche audience with its focus on Quarter Horse and Arabian racing, setting it apart from the state’s Thoroughbred and harness tracks. Its compact size and intimate setting offered a unique experience for fans.
Mount Pleasant struggled to generate enough wagering activity to remain financially viable. By the mid-2010s, Mount Pleasant Meadows ceased operations, marking another loss for Michigan’s racing landscape
Sports Creek Raceway
Located near Swartz Creek, Sports Creek Raceway was another venue that served harness racing fans. Opened in the 1980s, this track was smaller in scale but vital for Michigan’s Standardbred racing scene.
Why Did It Shut Down?
- Shrinking Audience: Attendance steadily declined as the sport lost appeal among younger generations.
- Financial Struggles: The track was unable to compete with other forms of gambling, such as casinos and online betting.
So, no luck if you are a horse racing fan living in Michigan. But there is always an alternative, you can go online or visit neighboring states like Ohio and Indiana still have active tracks, making them options for those willing to travel.
Image By Tichnor Brothers, Publisher – Boston Public Library Tichnor Brothers collection #83307, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41076787
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