Wasn't hazel park established by the Detroit mob? Michigan sporsts racing was maybe the most corrupt in the country. All the harness parks were bad: Jackson, nothville, sports Creek, hazel etc.
The racing industry refrain is always the races aren't corrupt because there's no $. Up until 2000, the money was there to be taken. After that handle went South quickly. But imo once the Stewart's of racing had tasted how easy the gains of corruption we're, they'd take from a purse that was nothing. It just became second nature.
Also imo, it's why the state legislature hasn't supported racing in Michigan when in other states they have at least half heartedly kept racing afloat. Michagan was just too corrupt for it's own good. And, the legislature wasn't going to piss more $ down the drain.
Just my honest take on the horseplop above.
