Reviving the Departed

by Ed Meyer

posted on July 23, 2008 in General Discussion | No Comments >>

In today’s ever changing climate of racing, icons are falling apart right before our eyes. The once beautiful structures are being replaced by stories that begin with the line of: “remember when?” The places that played host to the champions of history are one by one being changed by design, or being let go by lack of funding. Either way, the outcome is the same. They will go the way of the dinosaur.

In South Florida there is a little track that was once a sparkling gem. Just ask around to some of the older players of the game and they will tell you about a heavenly place called Hialeah. This oasis opened in 1921, and played a major stepping stone to some of the great runners of the day. It was a playground for the rich and famous, and all of the beautiful people could be seen at the races with the sun on their backs and the flamingos in their habitat. The track is on The National Register of Historic Places.

For years, many have fought to keep Hialeah from being torn down and replaced by shopping centers and soft yogurt stands. The track has been dormant since May 22, 2001. A new Savior is coming to the plate. Technology tycoon Halsey Minor has stepped up and prepares to shell out the $20-$40 million dollars to bring the track back to its pristine shape of over fifty years ago.

This is great news. Bringing back the past to the present is a noble cause. Many thanks, Mr. Minor. We need to keep our historical icons alive for generations to come.