Hazel Park Raceway Facebook photo.
Hazel Park Raceway, which attracted big-time gamblers, everyday track-goers, bookies mobsters and mobster-wannabees, is shut.
The owners of the state's only thoroughbred track are selling the property. On Facebook, they post:
After nearly 70 years, Hazel Park Raceway is closing effective April 5, 2018. We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to our employees, visitors, supporters and long-standing community partners.
The racing facility stopped allowing horses in on Wednesday and informed staff, Ken Haddad of WDIV reports. Approximately 90 people worked there.
The owners say:
Over the past 25 years, the gaming industry has dramatically changed throughout the country. Clearly, this has had a significant impact on the proud tradition of horse racing throughout Michigan.
-- Allan Lengel