EAST BOSTON — Our own Bill Brett made his way to the rail, trackside of Suffolk Downs in East Boston on June 30, 2019, for the last day of live racing at the 84-year-old track. Live horse racing was held on three weekends this year with June 29 and 30 rounding out the lineup.

Simulcast racing, with races from tracks around the country, is slated to continue at Suffolk Downs.

Once a grand track and important stop on the racing calendar, the track has been the subject of proposed development for years — and was even considered as a site for a new casino.

Demolition on areas of the property began on July 1, 2019, with trailers carrying horses and equipment loading out of the track area. One of the overflow parking areas is completely cordoned off, filled with heavy equipment.

A proposal has been approved to build a complex that includes housing and retail on the site, which is just down the road from Revere Beach.

All photos by Bill Brett