Monday, June 1 marked a sad day for harness racing fans in the Windsor, Ont. area, as demolition of Windsor Raceway’s grandstand got underway.
An article by Doug Schmidt for The Windsor Star explains that the City of Windsor had granted the demolition permit for the grandstand this past Friday (May 30).
The track had closed its doors in August of 2012, just months after Ontario’s Liberal Government gave the green light to transition away from the Slots at Racetracks Program.
Ontario Harness Horse Association General Manager Brian Tropea has commented on the grandstand demolition process. He told Schmidt that Monday was “a sad day” and that “if there had been any hope of horse racing there again, that’s been taken off the menu now.”
Paddocks and stables at the track were demolished in late April, and Winrac Development President Pat Soulliere has told Schmidt that there are currently no development plans for the 95-acre site, which has been re-zoned for residential development.
(With files from The Windsor Star)
A shame the track is being
A shame the track is being demolished. It was a hot spot in the 70s and 80s. Many great horsemen started their careers here.
First Blue Bonnets was
First Blue Bonnets was demolished now Windsor. These two tracks had the 2nd and 3rd highest handles of any of the Canadian racetracks in the 70's, 80's and 90's, only the OJC circuit had a higher handle and now 2 of the top 3 tracks are probably gone for good. If this doesn't get the attention of those connected to the business right across North America I don't know what it will take to get them to pay attention. This industry better come up with a new and modernized business model or more tracks will face the wrecking ball.