Hazel Park Horseracing
Hazel Park, located at 1650 East Ten Mile Road, Hazel Park, Michigan, offered some of the best harness racing action in the country.
The venue carried the distinction of being the first 5/8ths mile track in America, and it attracted some of the nation's top drivers, trainers, and horses after its inaugural harness meet in 1953. The track operated as a dual-breed facility from 1949 through 1984 and hosted harness racing exclusively from 1985 onward. Michigan's strong harness racing foundation, coupled with a steady influx of racing stables from across the U.S. and Canada, helped cement Hazel Park's status as being among the industry's best. Over the years, Hazel Park hosted several major stakes events, including the Motor City Pace, the Rose Red Pace, the Wm. C. Connors Trot, and the Nicole Hudock Memorial Pace.
On April 5, 2018, Hazel Park Raceway abruptly and permanently closed its doors just before its scheduled live racing season, ending a 69-year history of racing in Michigan. The 140-acre property was subsequently sold to a real estate developer, and the historic grandstand and stables were demolished. The site was completely transformed into a modern industrial park, with an Amazon distribution center opening on the former racetrack grounds in 2021.
Hazel Park Facts
The track's speed rating is 2:00:3. The length of the homestretch is 615' while its width is 80'. It can accommodate nine starters at the Gate. The grandstand's capacity is 9,200, clubhouse capacity is 3,000 and parking capacity is 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.