Hazel Park
Hazel Park Raceway was a horse racing track located at 1650 East Ten Mile Road in Hazel Park, Michigan. It offered some of the best harness racing action in the country during its years of operation.
Hazel Park Raceway carried the distinction of being the first 5/8-mile track in America, and it attracted many of the nation's top drivers, trainers, and horses after its inaugural harness meet in 1953. The facility operated as a dual-breed track from 1949 through 1984, hosting both thoroughbred and harness racing, before transitioning to harness racing exclusively beginning in 1985.
Michigan's strong harness racing foundation, combined with a steady influx of racing stables from across the United States and Canada, helped cement Hazel Park Raceway's reputation as one of the region's notable harness racing venues for decades.
Hazel Park Raceway hosted several major stakes events during its later years, including the following:
- Motor City Pace
- Rose Red Pace
- Wm. C. Connors Trot
- Nicole Hudock Memorial Pace
Hazel Park Raceway ultimately closed in April 2018 after the conclusion of its final harness racing meet. The property was later sold for redevelopment into a commercial and retail complex. Declining racing revenues, competition from casinos and other gaming venues, and the broader downturn of the horse racing industry in Michigan contributed to the decision to end racing operations at the historic track.
Hazel Park Race Track Facts
The track's speed rating was 2:00.3. The length of the homestretch was 615 feet, while its width measured 80 feet. The starting gate could accommodate nine starters. The grandstand had a capacity of 9,200, the clubhouse 3,000, and parking space for approximately 8,000 vehicles.
The track's record for live handle and attendance was achieved on July 12, 1975, when 15,372 patrons wagered $1,425,478.
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