Aqueduct Racetrack, New York City's final venue for live horse racing, is set to host its last races this weekend after more than 130 years of operation. The track, known for hosting legendary thoroughbreds, will conduct its final race on Sunday afternoon.
Following the conclusion of live racing, Aqueduct will continue to offer betting on televised races, a practice known as simulcasting, through September 7. The closure marks a significant shift for the sport, reflecting changes in the gambling industry and a consolidation of racing operations.
The "Big A," as the Queens-based track is nicknamed, faces increasing competition from other forms of gambling, including slot parlors, casinos, state lotteries, and legalized online and sports betting. This competitive pressure has contributed to a decline in the number of horse racing facilities nationwide. According to the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, there are now approximately 75 thoroughbred tracks in the U.S., a steep drop from over 300 during the sport's peak in the late 1800s.
Recent years have seen the closure of other prominent tracks, such as Arlington Park in Illinois, which was purchased by the Chicago Bears for a potential new stadium, and Golden Gate Fields in the San Francisco Bay Area. Tom Rooney, president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, noted that as sports gambling has expanded, the horse racing industry is naturally condensing around fewer, more significant locations.
A substantial portion of Aqueduct's site has long been occupied by a Resorts World casino, which recently expanded to include live table games and plans a major multibillion-dollar development. This development is part of a larger strategy by the New York Racing Association, which operates Aqueduct, to focus resources on its other tracks.
Nearby, Belmont Park, home to the third leg of horse racing's Triple Crown, is scheduled to reopen in September after a significant renovation costing around $550 million. State funding for the Belmont project was conditional on the New York Racing Association returning Aqueduct's land to the state for redevelopment and concentrating live racing at Belmont and Saratoga Race Course upstate. While the closure of Aqueduct is a loss for many, there is also anticipation for the modernized facilities at Belmont.
Aqueduct, originally opened in 1894, takes its name from an old water aqueduct that ran through the property. The track underwent a major reinvestment in 1959, transforming it into what the Associated Press then described as "the world's most modern and luxurious horse plant," featuring a dedicated subway stop and upgraded amenities.
Throughout its history, Aqueduct has been the site of notable victories for racing legends. Secretariat won the first race of his career there in 1972 and made his final appearance in 1973. Seattle Slew's 1977 win at Aqueduct served as a prelude to his Triple Crown sweep, and Cigar began his record 16-race winning streak at the track in 1994.
Jockey John Velazquez, a Hall of Famer, recalled that his career began at Aqueduct, where he developed his skills and achieved over 6,700 victories. Longtime gambler Roy Brown shared a personal success story, winning a substantial amount on a "pick-six" bet in the late 1980s, which briefly inspired him to enter horse ownership.