Thoroughbred Horses Now Racing at Hazel Park Raceway
Thoroughbreds Return to Hazel Park
Live Thoroughbred racing returns to Hazel Park Raceway after being absent for 30 years. “Once the site where many of the nation’s top horses and horsemen competed, plans are to restore the excitement and grandeur of Thoroughbred racing as in years past,” stated the welcome page of the opening weekend program at Hazel Park Raceway.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board granted a five-year contract to Hazel Park Raceway to run Thoroughbreds in the summer. Every Friday and Saturday from June 27 until October 11, 2014, live Thoroughbred racing starts at 7:30 p.m. and until further notice, has replaced harness racing at the track.
6200 Tons of New Dirt was Trucked in Rebuild the Track Surface for Thoroughbred Racing at Hazel Park
Renovated Track
Nearly $100,000 was invested for renovations to the track surface. Harness racing requires a harder surface. So, 6200 tons of new dirt was trucked in to build-up the five-eights-mile track. Thoroughbreds like a softer track to run on. According to Ladd Biro, Director of Racing Operations, 92% of the dirt is sand. “It needs a lot of water,” said Biro, and it’s a “fast, fast race track.” The inside rail was repositioned with new drilled holes and poured cement in addition to the track improvements.
Race Days
While racing happens both weekend evenings, Friday nights offer “Action on the Apron dollar nights” with hot dogs, soft drinks, and popcorn selling for just one dollar.
Parking and admission is always free. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. for simulcast betting. All ages are welcome, however visitors wishing to make a wager must be 18 years of age or older. Live musical entertainment near the paddock area offers a break from the track action. The paddock is where you can see the jockeys mount-up and slowly move the horses to the track. This is a good time to see them up close; and where you can pick the horse you want to bet on (but you only have a few minutes until post to make those bets at this point).
If You Go
Hazel Park Raceway
1650 E 10 Mile Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030
248-398-1000
Photos are courtesy of Hazel Park Raceway
About Michael Dwyer