NEW YORK (AP) — After more than 130 years of horse racing, New York City’s Aqueduct Race Track held its final day of competition on Sunday, officially marking the end of an era for the storied facility.
The farewell to the track affectionately known as “the Big A” drew long lines of devoted fans who came to say goodbye. The send-off included a commemorative cake and a closing race given the perfectly fitting name, “It Was a Good Run.”
The closure is part of a broader effort to consolidate New York’s horse racing operations. Future races will be held at Belmont Park, located just beyond the city’s borders on Long Island, and at Saratoga Race Course further upstate. Aqueduct will continue to operate for simulcast wagering through September, at which point Belmont Park is expected to reopen after undergoing a reconstruction project that cost roughly half a billion dollars.
The atmosphere at the Queens-based track on its final racing day was a blend of nostalgia and celebration. Fans reflected on the track’s deep roots in the sport, while jockeys took time to greet the festive crowd after completing their final rides at the venue.
This story is based on a documentary photo essay curated by Associated Press photo editors.
