Windsor Raceway To Close, What’s Next For Dresden?

Windsor Raceway announced Friday they will cease all operations as of August 31, 2012. This move is a result of the closure of the Windsor Raceway Slot April 30, and the province wide cessation of the Slots at Racetracks program.

“April 30th was a sad day at Windsor Raceway. It was difficult to say good bye to the many loyal Windsor Raceway patrons who expressed admiration for the program and employees who served them at Windsor Raceway,” Windsor Raceway president Patrick Soulliere in an official release Friday.

The only way to stop Windsor Raceway from stopping all operations, is through government support, including from the OLG. Currently, the only funding agreement in place is so that the OLG has access to the Windsor Raceway facilities through August 31, so that they may release the slots and other gaming equipment.

“Windsor Raceway hopes the OLG will meet to meaningfully discuss all outstanding concerns in a timely manner so arrangements can be made to protect the long and distinguished Windsor Raceway horse racing history,” Soulliere continued in the Raceway’s release.

With a looming closure of Windsor Raceway, questions will begin to swirl around Chatham-Kent’s Dresden Raceway, as it is operated by parent-track Windsor.

On StandardBred.ca, one commenter posed the question, “does this mean the transfer payments from Woodstock and Dresden will cease?” Many surrounding the horse racing industry have been outraged since the Slots at Racetracks announcement was made.

Dresden Raceway’s 2012 schedule will get underway May 13 with a 1:00pm post time. Other May race dates include May 21 and May 27. There are 23 scheduled race dates for Dresden Raceway this summer.