The uncertainty of the future of Maryland's Rosecroft Raceway has been well documented over the past months. Attempts to attain the right to provide expanding gaming and attempts to sell the facility have hit roadblocks
at virtually every corner. Now, an article by The Washington Post shines the light on the track's backstretch population, which faces the looming prospect of extinction.
An attorney for Rosecroft owner Cloverleaf Enterprises explains in the article that the decision to close the backstretch is both simple and clear. "It was a business decision designed to save $35,000 a month," attorney Nelson Cohen was quoted as saying. He also said that "the residents were notified almost a year ago of the intent to close the backstretch and to seek alternative arrangements," and that "a substantial portion did; others have not."
Sixty-five-year-old track resident Robert 'Shag' Fox, who has been in the backstretch for 27 years, has indicated that he isn't going anywhere until he has to. "I told them," he said, "I'm not going anywhere 'til the fat momma sing."
(With files from The Washington Post)