"Giddy up and go back to Boston." Some don't want new horse racing in Gardner

GARDNER - When Suffolk Downs held its last horse race in 2019 , a lot of that industry left Massachusetts. One group of investors wants to change that by building a new track in Gardner. A lot of residents want to stop the project before it gets out of the gate.

Gardner horse racing track

Bay State Racing is an LLC consisting of investors in the horse racing industry. Last year , the company tried to go forward with this project on a plot of land in Gardner off Route 140. This year, they are trying again with a 114-acre property just down the street, hoping it will be the new home of the state's only thoroughbred horsing racing track.

"It is our hope to be engaged and productive with the community and to be good neighbors," Bay State Racing's John Stefanini said at a presentation at Gardner City Hall Tuesday night.

The company expects to invest $25 million in new facilities, have a return of half a million a year in taxes to the city and to create dozens of new jobs.

Bay State Racing, which makes most of its money through sports betting, wants to hold two races a year.

"Giddy up and go back to Boston"

The land the company is looking to acquire is currently a ranch with animals used to provide therapy for those going through substance abuse and mental health treatment. The idea of changing that to a venue that holds thousands of people and dozens of racing animals is a concern for those living here.

"Our home that we have lived in for the past 38 years is situated within 500 feet of the property," one resident, worried about traffic and noise, said at Tuesday night's meeting.

"The ethical treatment of the animals is still a question in my mind," said another.

"Seven other communities in this state have turned these people down," a resident said. "So, Gardner, do the same. Tell them to giddy up and go back to Boston."

Other residents expressed concerns over potential environmental issues like water sanitation and waste.

The city council held a non-binding vote to check the pulse of council members. Each of them voted against the potential racing track. The official vote will come next month.