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View Full Version : The end of Rockingham


soupman2
11-20-2014, 08:44 AM
Well, good old Rockingham is getting ready to be just a memory. They have asked the town to subdivide their property (170+ acres) and sell 50 acres. This is an area where all of the barns were. Last year they lost approval for a casino by one vote. It doesn't look like it is going to happen this year either. They had been keeping up the turf course until this summer when they stopped and let it all go to seed. I held out hope that they would have racing back someday, but that now looks like it is not going to happen. I hope they allow a simulcast parlor when they tear the thing down and make all the new condo's I'm sure they will create.

DeltaLover
11-20-2014, 10:39 AM
I hope all similar tracks follow the same path.

We have way too many race tracks and most of them need to go away, for horse racing to survive and become again the King of Gambling...

Al Gobbi
11-21-2014, 12:19 AM
not too surprised, and giving MA voters kept the casino bill in the election, probably a decent chance Suffolk will still be around as a racing facility for the short term.

NJ Stinks
11-21-2014, 02:30 AM
I'm sorry to hear the news about Rockingham, Soupman. I have fond memories of the track - including being there on BC day in 1989.

lamboguy
11-21-2014, 02:41 AM
Lou Smith is rolling over in his grave right now

bello
11-21-2014, 01:30 PM
This one really hurts. What great memories of have of The Rock. Great spread of grass from the top of the stretch to the paddock and walking to to spread a blanket, watch and bet the ponies and get shitfaced with some cold brews.

Every year I would vacation in Maine and on the way home get a hotel room in Salem. One day would be for me at Rockingham Park and One day would be for the family at Canobie Lake. Great way to end a vacation.

EMD4ME
09-12-2016, 06:26 PM
courtesy of the Paulick Report

https://blinkerbias.wordpress.com/2016/09/09/photo-blog-rockingham-park/

Broad Brush
09-12-2016, 08:03 PM
Thanks for posting the pics.
I was never there so it was nice to see what it looked like.

Boy, it does make me sad though.

Vinnie
09-12-2016, 09:04 PM
I used to live in Gardner, MA around 1998 to mid 2000 and my sons were little at the time. My wife and I would take them over to "The Rock" for a bite to eat and to watch the horses! We would put out a blanket and chairs and watch the hot walkers bring out the horses toward the paddock as each impending race approached. It was Awesome!! The brass band playing in the pavilion was very cool. It was just a very nice place to watch the Thoroughbreds. When they changed the track to harness racing I stopped going. It is very sad that the place won't ever be the same as it once was.

lamboguy
09-12-2016, 09:14 PM
the new owners offered the old ones the opportunity to stay open through the end of November, but they just wanted out of the place.

they turned the place into a first class dump. they never had a chance at the slots because the state house never liked the owners.

thespaah
09-12-2016, 09:16 PM
What a shame.....How could such a nice place fall on such hard times that keeping operations going became impossible

Rollingpk3
09-12-2016, 09:25 PM
memorabilia aucton sept 25th & 26th for anyone in the area

Vinnie
09-12-2016, 09:28 PM
courtesy of the Paulick Report

https://blinkerbias.wordpress.com/2016/09/09/photo-blog-rockingham-park/


Thanks for including that excellent link EMD4ME:

I enjoyed looking at those photographs although it saddens me at the very same time.

MonmouthParkJoe
09-13-2016, 11:49 AM
Ive never been, but one of the instructors here started in the industry there in the racing office. She always spoke very highly of the place, and from looking at the pictures it does look like a nice place to spend the afternoon. Unfortunately another track bites the dust.

EMD4ME
09-14-2016, 06:19 PM
Thanks for including that excellent link EMD4ME:

I enjoyed looking at those photographs although it saddens me at the very same time.

It is an eerie feeling walking down what used to be a racetrack. It reminds me of the Titanic seen, where in the end after the Titanic has sunk, old memories of what used to be are shown for certain parts of the boat......

It pains my stomach to think of all the father and sons, new couples etc that spent time bonding there over a live set of races who now look at what used to be.

Sad....

ReplayRandall
09-14-2016, 06:29 PM
It is an eerie feeling walking down what used to be a racetrack. It reminds me of the Titanic seen, where in the end after the Titanic has sunk, old memories of what used to be are shown for certain parts of the boat......

It pains my stomach to think of all the father and sons, new couples etc that spent time bonding there over a live set of races who now look at what used to be.

Sad....

Memories of entering the racetrack, the first sensation was the aroma of the char-broiler, grilling steaks in the clubhouse. Second, would be the smell of cigars, some cheap and the majority mostly expensive, bordering on great Cuban's. The last and best sensation, was the distinctive smell of MONEY. That's right, I said MONEY....Remember back in the 70's when money had it's own wonderful fragrance, especially $50's and C-Notes?.....Nothing like those days.....

EMD4ME
09-14-2016, 06:39 PM
Memories of entering the racetrack, the first sensation was the aroma of the char-broiler, grilling steaks in the clubhouse. Second, would be the smell of cigars, some cheap and the majority mostly expensive, bordering on great Cuban's. The last and best sensation, was the distinctive smell of MONEY. That's right, I said MONEY....Remember back in the 70's when money had it's own wonderful fragrance, especially $50's and C-Notes?.....Nothing like those days.....


For me, it was the awesome 2nd floor paddock at Penn National. It was me asking my dad, why bet horses who fall back during a race (with a comment of weakened or tired) and him teaching me that in some cases (fast paces against better) those are the BEST bets in racing, as long as they are THE speed today.

For me, it was pulling up to the Atlantic City Race Course parking lot, staring down at my khaki pants and seeing the weeds coming up above my ankles in 1987. Me wondering to myself, can I get in today and my dad saying: Tighten up your shirt, wear your watch and remember your FAKE birthday. We didn't drive 152 miles for nothing my son.

For me, it was being 4 years old, at Charles Town, behind trainers row, watching that old lady create her own charts during each race as I ran back and forth internally rooting for the 10 horse in every 10 horse field.

I took my mother back to Charles Town in 2012 (pre accident) and for the first time since 1981, she walked back into the ladies bathroom at "Chuck Town". She came out crying. I said what's wrong. She said the bathroom is the same. I remember being pregnant with you back in 1975, washing my hands at the SAME sink. It's now been 37 years since that moment.

Where does the time go?

I said: Ma, they kept the bathroom the same so we can remember the moments. She didn't buy it, as she cried her way back to the main grandstand.

If it wasn't for the tracks, I maybe wouldn't remember as much as I do. Those moments really pierced my heart, good and bad.

For any one to think or say, a track closing is a good thing, is naive to the moments created on track......

elhelmete
09-14-2016, 06:53 PM
First went to the Rock when I was 1 year old. Dad had trotters there up through about 1973. I was a frequent tag-along with Dad in those years.

For years after that I'd tag along with grandpa and his friends at least once a month. I can still smell the Clubman Talc and velour upholstery in the back of the Oldsmobile we rode in.

Pretty sure it was the 1st place I ever placed a bet. I was slightly under age.

It was the venue of my most fun/strange win ever. Involved a cheap Carlos Figueroa claimer with Harry Vega up.

RIP, RP.

EMD4ME
09-14-2016, 06:55 PM
First went to the Rock when I was 1 year old. Dad had trotters there up through about 1973. I was a frequent tag-along with Dad in those years.

For years after that I'd tag along with grandpa and his friends at least once a month. I can still smell the Clubman Talc and velour upholstery in the back of the Oldsmobile we rode in.

Pretty sure it was the 1st place I ever placed a bet. I was slightly under age.

It was the venue of my most fun/strange win ever. Involved a cheap Carlos Figueroa claimer with Harry Vega up.

RIP, RP.

Nice memories elhelmete. Thanks for sharing :ThmbUp:

elhelmete
09-14-2016, 07:24 PM
Then the fire...so sad...
http://blog.retroplanet.com/rockingham-park-memories-salem-nh/

And it was great if you grabbed a sammich here after the races:

http://blog.retroplanet.com/cool-neon-sign-atomic-submarine-sandwiches-salem-nh/

johnhannibalsmith
09-14-2016, 07:34 PM
Loved - in a sad, morbid kinda way - looking at the photos. There's really not much sadder/spookier/oddly compelling than an old, neglected, defunct racetrack.

EMD4ME
09-14-2016, 07:40 PM
I really hope heaven has an old fashioned racetrack....

EMD4ME
09-14-2016, 07:42 PM
Then the fire...so sad...
http://blog.retroplanet.com/rockingham-park-memories-salem-nh/

And it was great if you grabbed a sammich here after the races:

http://blog.retroplanet.com/cool-neon-sign-atomic-submarine-sandwiches-salem-nh/

AMAZING PICS elhelmete. I only aspire to feel what you feel .......despite them being sad memories in many cases.

ReplayRandall
09-14-2016, 07:47 PM
I really hope heaven has an old fashioned racetrack....

According to Rod Serling and the "Twilight Zone", it does exist, along with casinos too, but NOT in Heaven...:eek:

EMD4ME
09-14-2016, 07:49 PM
According to Rod Serling and the "Twilight Zone", it does exist, along with casinos too, but NOT in Heaven...:eek:

Then I better start spending all my days at the track NOW! :lol:

By the way, you're closer to Colonial than me, any hope they re-open?

MonmouthParkJoe
09-14-2016, 08:19 PM
First went to the Rock when I was 1 year old. Dad had trotters there up through about 1973. I was a frequent tag-along with Dad in those years.

For years after that I'd tag along with grandpa and his friends at least once a month. I can still smell the Clubman Talc and velour upholstery in the back of the Oldsmobile we rode in.

Pretty sure it was the 1st place I ever placed a bet. I was slightly under age.

It was the venue of my most fun/strange win ever. Involved a cheap Carlos Figueroa claimer with Harry Vega up.

RIP, RP.

I still use the clubman talc and aftershave. always reminded me of the old barbershops in elizabeth nj I used to go to growing up. Classic, and never gets old

Broad Brush
09-14-2016, 08:20 PM
For me, it was the awesome 2nd floor paddock at Penn National. It was me asking my dad, why bet horses who fall back during a race (with a comment of weakened or tired) and him teaching me that in some cases (fast paces against better) those are the BEST bets in racing, as long as they are THE speed today.

For me, it was pulling up to the Atlantic City Race Course parking lot, staring down at my khaki pants and seeing the weeds coming up above my ankles in 1987. Me wondering to myself, can I get in today and my dad saying: Tighten up your shirt, wear your watch and remember your FAKE birthday. We didn't drive 152 miles for nothing my son.

For me, it was being 4 years old, at Charles Town, behind trainers row, watching that old lady create her own charts during each race as I ran back and forth internally rooting for the 10 horse in every 10 horse field.

I took my mother back to Charles Town in 2012 (pre accident) and for the first time since 1981, she walked back into the ladies bathroom at "Chuck Town". She came out crying. I said what's wrong. She said the bathroom is the same. I remember being pregnant with you back in 1975, washing my hands at the SAME sink. It's now been 37 years since that moment.

Where does the time go?

I said: Ma, they kept the bathroom the same so we can remember the moments. She didn't buy it, as she cried her way back to the main grandstand.

If it wasn't for the tracks, I maybe wouldn't remember as much as I do. Those moments really pierced my heart, good and bad.

For any one to think or say, a track closing is a good thing, is naive to the moments created on track......

Its great to read someone else having similar memories with their dad going
to the track as a kid. Good post!!!

EMD4ME
09-14-2016, 08:22 PM
I still use the clubman talc and aftershave. always reminded me of the old barbershops in elizabeth nj I used to go to growing up. Classic, and never gets old


MONMOUTH PARK JOE, MY AUNT PASSED AWAY FROM OVARIAN CANCER. WE NEVER HAD IT IN THE FAMILY. SHE WAS OBSESSED WITH TALC PRODUCTS FOR HER PRIVATE AREA. I TRULY BELEIVE TALC CAUSED HER CANCER.

YOU ARE BETTER OFF THAN HER AS SHE PLACED IT INSIDE HER BUT PLEASE STOP USING ANY TALC PRODUCTS ON YOUR FACE. GOOGLE IT.

Sorry for caps, I have a small family and lost a centerpiece of my family last year, possibly to talc.

Don't be alarmed. Just please stop using it.

Fan Since The 50's
09-15-2016, 01:37 AM
My days as a child at Charles Town and Shenandoah Downs are forever etched in my brain. I am an only child and there was no activity in this world that meant more to me than a trip to CT or ShD. Those two tracks were just fun places to be for me. The races back then although cheap, were incredibly formful and mostly free of breakdowns on track. My mom pointed out a spot at CT where while pregnant with me she became sick and passed out. A few years ago I sat in the CT grandstand near we used to sit, looked around and wept. Those old days mean that much to me. I plan to be at CT Saturday evening for their CT Oaks stakes laden card. It will be my second and final track visit of 2016, after attending the Pacific Classic at Del Mar. I hope there is at least one more CT Classic left for 2017. I know Charles Town is not a track of favor for most of you, and that's OK. But like a lyric in an old song suggested, "You really had to be there" to know what I am talking about. Baseball has actually dethroned horse racing as my sport of choice. My idea of heaven now, is a trip to the O's or Nats on a warm summer night with my best friend, my son Jeff. We are trying to see all 30 stadiums together. By the way, I loved Del Mar so much I am toying with the idea of heading out that way, just for Breeder's Cup weekend in 2017.

EMD4ME
09-15-2016, 08:10 AM
My days as a child at Charles Town and Shenandoah Downs are forever etched in my brain. I am an only child and there was no activity in this world that meant more to me than a trip to CT or ShD. Those two tracks were just fun places to be for me. The races back then although cheap, were incredibly formful and mostly free of breakdowns on track. My mom pointed out a spot at CT where while pregnant with me she became sick and passed out. A few years ago I sat in the CT grandstand near we used to sit, looked around and wept. Those old days mean that much to me. I plan to be at CT Saturday evening for their CT Oaks stakes laden card. It will be my second and final track visit of 2016, after attending the Pacific Classic at Del Mar. I hope there is at least one more CT Classic left for 2017. I know Charles Town is not a track of favor for most of you, and that's OK. But like a lyric in an old song suggested, "You really had to be there" to know what I am talking about. Baseball has actually dethroned horse racing as my sport of choice. My idea of heaven now, is a trip to the O's or Nats on a warm summer night with my best friend, my son Jeff. We are trying to see all 30 stadiums together. By the way, I loved Del Mar so much I am toying with the idea of heading out that way, just for Breeder's Cup weekend in 2017.

Your post really hit home.....I'm an only child and felt like I was reading my own thoughts as I read what you wrote.

MonmouthParkJoe
09-15-2016, 11:11 AM
MONMOUTH PARK JOE, MY AUNT PASSED AWAY FROM OVARIAN CANCER. WE NEVER HAD IT IN THE FAMILY. SHE WAS OBSESSED WITH TALC PRODUCTS FOR HER PRIVATE AREA. I TRULY BELEIVE TALC CAUSED HER CANCER.

YOU ARE BETTER OFF THAN HER AS SHE PLACED IT INSIDE HER BUT PLEASE STOP USING ANY TALC PRODUCTS ON YOUR FACE. GOOGLE IT.

Sorry for caps, I have a small family and lost a centerpiece of my family last year, possibly to talc.

Don't be alarmed. Just please stop using it.

Thanks for the heads up, I literally just used it this morning, the aftershave at least :bang: