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A sad but foreseeable outcome. Once CD passed on the casino license for the location, you knew its days were numbered. I spent many days there. I can honestly say it is one of the nicest tracks in the country. A facility that is just beautiful, where you see casual racing fans and families on weekends. Although Illinois racing has seen a sharp decline in the last 15 years this facility is still a palace.
In the last 15 years we have seen harness racing disappear from Chicagoland except for the Hawthorne meet and now this.
I would note that the Carey family has been the saving grace for the sport in Chicagoland. What the facility lacks in beauty and charm is somewhat made up for the family's dedication to preserving racing in the area.
It is true that the economics of racing is forcing many of these decisions, but I do believe a better outcome was possible for Chicagoland racing. A real shame.
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