MA casino lean likely dooms Suffolk (Update: Deal set for 2015-16)

[ScottJ]

What a very sad decision.

In an ironic juxtaposition of events, Trump Plaza, the centerpiece of Atlantic City, closed its doors at 6:00am while this decision awards a casino license to the Wynn organization. There is no doubt that Wynn and his team will do something noteworthy, but Massachusetts itself has cut the blood supply on its own thoroughbred tradition.

Many years back (in fact in 2001), I wrote an article for Hoof Beats magazine talking about 25 year cycles - at that time, it was the 25 years of the Meadowlands (1976-2001) and suggesting what might happen by watching the Roosevelt model (1953-1988).

Suffolk Downs should have received more respect from the legislature and decision makers. It survived beyond the 25 year model and had long term history in the state. It provided a renewal for Spring every year with 12,000+ in attendance. I was last at Suffolk in 2011 just before my son's graduation from Boston College. As the fog rolled in from the bay entering the fourth race, I realized so many things that made this racetrack so special.

New England has now lost all of its jai alai frontons, thoroughbred tracks, and dog racing tracks. I will never understand as long as I live the alure of one-armed bandits, video poker, and blackjack.