Hazel Park History

Situated somewhat north of Detroit in southeast Michigan is where you’ll find Hazel Park Raceway. In 2008, there will be 59 seasons of harness meets since the first one took place in the spring of 1953. Since its establishment, Hazel Park Raceway—dubbed the pioneer track since it was the first 5/8ths mile track in the nation—has drawn some of the best drivers, trainers, and horses in the country. From 1949 until 1984, the track was a dual-breed facility; starting in 1985, harness racing has taken center stage.

On July 12, 1975, 15,372 people wagered $1,425,478 at the track, setting a record for both live handle and attendance. On September 17, 1988, the “Twin-Super” wager at Hazel Park set a record payout of $2.00 at any harness track when it paid $1,243,053. The wager selected the first four finishers in two races in exact sequence.

Hazel Park has played host to the prestigious $150,000 Wm. C. Connors Memorial 3 year old open trot and the state’s top 2 and 3 year olds competing for $1,000,000 in purse money on the Night of Champions during the past few years. The track is known across the industry for hosting some of the most competitive racing anywhere, especially during its nightly midnight events. bolstered by an exceptional surge of racing stables from southern Ontario to California, Florida, and the Midwest, and anchored by Michigan’s solid heritage in harness racing. One of the best racetracks in the country has always been Hazel Park.

State legislation approved full-card Simulcasting in 1996, making the track essentially open for business seven days a week, from noon to midnight. Now, customers can watch and place bets on all of the major harness and thoroughbred tracks in the nation in addition to the excellent live racing. These days, it’s commonplace to see the Triple Crown, Breeder’s Cup and Breeder’s Crown, Little Brown Jug, and Hambletonian. Over 14,000 race enthusiasts descended upon Hazel Park on Saturday, May 3, 2008, to place bets and watch the Kentucky Derby simulcast.

A passing lane, a laid-back park-setting picnic area, multiple banks of 42″ plasma TVs, the highly popular Top of the Park Grill, the Bridge Lounge, and the Homestretch Bar are just a few of the latest enhancements made for the convenience of patrons and horsemen. Our newly built, cutting-edge Grandstand area continues to draw new fans with action on the Apron on Friday evenings and other special deals.

Hazel Park Raceway offers exciting harness racing in addition to a range of enjoyable activities like fund-raisers, live performances, picnics, fireworks, and more. Regular customers get access to the Winner’s Circle Club benefits. You can get points in this club by placing bets. You can exchange points for a number of fantastic deals. Race fans who enjoy harness racing shouldn’t miss Hazel Park Harness Raceway.

Hazel Park Raceway hosts live harness racing from April through October. The width of the 5/8-mile track is 80 feet, and its speed rating is 2:00:3. Hazel Park is home to several high-profile races, including the Wm.C. Connors Trot, Rose Red Pace, Nicole Hudock Memorial Pace, and Motor City Pace. 7:45 p.m. is the post time. There is usually plenty of room for the large number of Hazel Park visitors, as the grandstand can accommodate 9,200 people and the clubhouse 3,000. At the raceway, parking and admission are free right now. Every day of the week, all year long, Hazel Park offers simulcast racing and betting. The Winner’s Circle Dining Room is open for lunch and dinner.

Harness racing in Michigan is renowned for its rigorous standards. This has contributed to Hazel Park Raceway’s success and elite standing in the horse racing sector, combined with a growth in the number of racing stables.