The final call to the post has blown for the Atlantic City Race Course in Mays Landing. After close to 70 years, all operations all set to close at the track.

Greenwood ACRA, owners and operators of Atlantic City Race Course, have announced the racetrack is ceasing operations and closing permanently. The last open day of business for simulcasting will be Friday, January 16, 2015.

Even though its been decades since the famed local landmark operated as a real, full time racetrack, this is sad news for those who grew up during the glory days of the Atlantic City Race Track.

 In 1998, the one-time Atlantic City Race Track ended its regular schedule of live horse racing, citing increasing costs and diminishing attendance.  Since then the Race course has  held their annual Turf Festival, a six-day return live racing each year is a state-mandated regulation necessary to keep the track’s simulcast license.

I have fond memories of going to my first horse races  at the old Atlantic City Race Track and trying to learn the basics of the sport with my childhood friends.

According to the Press of Atlantic City, "The Atlantic City Race Course opened July 22, 1946, when 28,000 fans packed the facility, the largest inaugural day racetrack crowd in history. Among those in attendance were Sinatra, Hope and Princess Grace of Monaco. Princess Grace was the daughter John B. Kelly, the track president and one of the four businessmen who founded it."

Here is the statement released today announcing the closing.

Joe Wilson, President of Greenwood ACRA, stated, "We regret to announce that we must close Atlantic City Race Course immediately due to continuous business decline in the industry, the current regional economic climate and the absence of alternative revenue opportunities. Most importantly, we would like to thank our dedicated employees and the supporters of Atlantic City Race Course who have contributed to its proud legacy in the racing industry over the years."

Customers may cash winning tickets at Atlantic City Race Course until Friday, January 16th. After that date, winning tickets may be cashed at Favorites at Vineland OTW during normal business hours (located at 1332 South Delsea Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360).

 

For information please contact Keith Jones, kjones@acracecourse.com.

 

 

 

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