Hazel Park racetrack near Detroit to end live meet early

HAZEL PARK, Mich. (AP) Hazel Park Raceway is halting its live thoroughbred meet on Aug. 8, over a month earlier than planned. The Michigan Gaming Control Board

HAZEL PARK, Mich. (AP) Hazel Park Raceway is halting its live thoroughbred meet on Aug. 8, over a month earlier than planned.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board says the Detroit-area track requested to end the meet early. The live season was supposed to go from May 1 to Sept. 12. MGCB executive director Richard Kalm says his group was disappointed to learn there are insufficient funds to finish the meet. He calls this ''an unfortunate and serious matter'' - although he says the MGCB does not suspect misspending.

Hazel Park director of racing Ladd Biro says the closing of Sports Creek Raceway near Flint - and the loss of simulcast revenue - contributed to a funding shortfall for Hazel Park. He says he expects Hazel Park to apply for more dates in 2016.