New York City’s last horse racing track, Aqueduct, is ending live races after more than 130 years. The final race, ‘It Was a Good Run,’ is scheduled for Sunday at 5:44 p.m.
Aqueduct’s History
Aqueduct has a rich history, with legendary thoroughbreds like Seabiscuit, Man O’ War, and Secretariat competing at the track. The track was originally opened in 1894 and was renovated in 1959 to include a dedicated subway stop, air-conditioned restaurants, and a grandstand.
Despite its history, the track is closing due to increased competition for gambling dollars from slot parlors, casinos, state lotteries, and online sports betting. There are now only around 75 thoroughbred tracks nationwide, compared to over 300 during the sport’s peak in the late 1800s.
Impact on the Community
The closure of Aqueduct will have an impact on the local community, with many people losing their jobs. However, the track will remain open for betting on televised races through September 7.
Some people are sad to see the track close, including Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, who began his career at Aqueduct. ‘This is where I developed my craft, where I learned everything that I know,’ Velazquez said.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
