With Hazel Park Closure, Michigan Has One Horse Track Left

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Afterward, only one remained.

After seventy years of hosting live horse racing in Southeastern Michigan, Hazel Park Raceway bid farewell on Thursday as it closed its doors.

According to a statement from the racetrack, as mentioned in the Daily Racing Forum, the gaming industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past 25 years across the entire nation. This transformation has undeniably had a substantial effect on the long-standing tradition of horseracing in Michigan. For close to 70 years, Hazel Park Raceway has acknowledged and valued the dedication and backing from its employees and fans, along with the economic and entertainment benefits this establishment has contributed to the community.

The last man standing – or horse as it were

Since 2007, Hazel Park has become the fourth Thoroughbred track to shut down, following the closure of eight other tracks since 1998. As a result, only Northville Downs remains as the sole operating track in Michigan.

However, Mike Carlo, operations manager and co-owner of Northville Downs, is far from pleased with the news, as a lack of competition is typically seen as a positive thing.

“I feel a great sense of sorrow for the industry, as we have lost yet another valuable racetrack,” he expressed to Crain’s Detroit Business. “The closure of a racetrack is never a positive development for the industry. We must strive to restore equilibrium and enhance our competitiveness in the market, alongside other gaming options available in the state.”

With a track record of profitability for the past three years, Northville Downs’ future remains promising, especially with the closure of Hazel Parks. Carlo anticipates expanding his current staff of 69 by hiring an additional 30 employees.

Less than a month before the scheduled opening day, Northville Downs falls short in accommodating Thoroughbred races, resulting in a void in the state and leaving horses with no place to call home.

Northville Downs sought a Thoroughbred meet license in 2014 but failed to comply with necessary track modifications, leading to non-compliance with the Michigan Gaming Control Board requirements. The closure of Hazel Park could potentially revive Northville Downs’ enthusiasm for hosting Thoroughbred meets.

The closure affects employees and horses

George Kutlenios, the president of the Michigan Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, is tirelessly advocating for the welfare of both horsemen and horses affected by displacement.

Currently, our main priority lies with the horses and horsemen residing in Michigan. We are actively reaching out to racing secretaries in neighboring states, hoping they will be understanding of the challenging situation faced by the horsemen in Michigan regarding stalls and stall applications. Our aim is to secure suitable accommodations for everyone until we can resolve these logistical matters.

Kutlenios states that someone who lacks interest in horse racing is now in control of the track. This unexpected news has taken everyone by surprise, especially considering there are less than 30 days left until the opening day.

“We’re left with nowhere to go,” he stated. “The horsemen are currently dispersing, so even if we stumbled upon some miraculous solution, they have their own commitments to attend to. Requesting them to return would be incredibly challenging. And even if we managed to find an alternative, ensuring a sufficient horse supply would unquestionably be our primary concern. It would be precarious, even with a potential solution in sight.”

Despite not believing that a Thoroughbred meet will take place in Michigan this year, Kutlenios remains hopeful and perseveres in examining the feasibility of Thoroughbred racing in the state.

Balancing the scales

Carlo’s statement emphasized the concept of “balancing the scales,” suggesting that numerous industry experts attribute the decline to the absence of gaming products at tracks.

The decline can be attributed to various factors, such as the presence of the Michigan Lottery and casinos, which offer a more appealing and comprehensive gambling experience. Moreover, neighboring states have introduced racinos – race tracks with slot machines – which are diverting visitors away from Michigan’s tracks.

He stated that treating horse racing in Michigan similarly to racing in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky is a clear sign. Our goal is to ensure its sustainability.

At present, visitors to a track are limited to live and simulcast betting only. Carlo strongly believes that if Northville Downs does not allow slot machines and other types of wagering, it will ultimately face a fate similar to Hazel Park.

Carlo desires to emulate the models established by numerous states that allow various forms of gambling on their premises.

For years, there has been a persistent effort to garner support for the legalization of new betting options at tracks. However, the casinos, holding a more influential position in the industry, have vehemently expressed their opposition.

The declining Michigan horse racing industry

The consistent decline in gambling revenue at horse tracks over the years is easily understandable, considering the numerous track closures.

In the span of a decade, specifically from 2006 to 2016, the revenue generated by gambling experienced a significant decrease, plummeting from $22.1 million to a mere $4.2 million. Similarly, the number of tracks also witnessed a decline, dwindling down to only two during this period. This drastic change accounts for an 81 percent reduction within a mere 10 years.

Michigan’s horse tracks were the sole entertainment option before the advent of casinos, the lottery, and the internet. At its peak, revenue reached an impressive $443.1 million.

While Michigan’s horse racing industry may be experiencing a decline, the national scenario presents a contrasting picture. Throughout the country, the amount of bets placed on live and simulcast races has been increasing steadily for the past four years, reaching billions of dollars.

The numbers speak for themselves, clearly pointing out the necessity for addressing changes. Carlo believes the solution is straightforward:

“I require additional inventory for my establishment.”

The absence of it could lead to the imminent disappearance of live horse racing in Michigan.

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