REVERE, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com / AP) -- BOSTON (AP) - Horse racing will be coming to an end at the 79-year-old thoroughbred track as a result of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission's decision to award a casino license to Wynn Resorts.
"It's like one big happy family that's saddened by a loss," said Bob Casaletto of Revere. "Like a wake or a funeral."
Track officials informed employees and horsemen Wednesday morning that the track was closing.
Chip Tuttle, CEO of the racetrack said Suffolk Down was "extraordinarily disappointed" with the decision. Multiple employees told FOX 25 that the track's closure would mean relocating their families and looking for work elsewhere.
"I never thought it would come to this," said jockey Tammi Piermarino. "I grew up here. My home's here. I have three children and a husband and a 20 year old dog and a young pup and it's time to uproot everybody."
Mohegan Sun had proposed a resort casino on land owned by Suffolk Downs in Revere. The track had pledged to continue racing for at least 15 years if Mohegan Sun was awarded the license.
The commission on Tuesday voted 3-1 to go with a rival proposal by Wynn in Everett. The official vote took place Wednesday morning.
The final live race will take place September 29. Simulcasting will continue through December, when Suffolk Downs will close completely. Officials will meet with workers over the next several days to develop a plan for winding down racing operations.
"You never know what you had until you don't have it anymore," Casaletto added.
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