Northfield Park Racetrack Horse Racing

About Northfield Park Racetrack

Originally constructed in 1934, the track formerly known as Sportsman Park was intended as a greyhound track. When this plan failed, ownership changed and the focus was switched to midget car racing. After 20 years as a successful car-racing facility, interest waned. In 1956, Sportsman Park was demolished to make way for what would eventually become one of the nation's premier harness racing tracks, Northfield Park.

While Northfield Park is the only remaining commercial harness track in Northeast Ohio, it used to be the third track in a state circuit that included Painesville Raceway and Grandview Raceway. Northfield was opened in 1957 by Grandview's owner, the late Walter J. Michael, who wanted to expand the racing season. Michael, owner of Pickwick Farms, Ohio's most prominent standardbred breeding farm for decades, also owned a stable of notable horses. His stable included Miss Gene Abbe, the equine star of the motion picture "Home In Indiana". In 1972, Northfield was purchased by a group led by Cleveland real-estate magnate Carl Milstein and the facility was leased to outside operators.

Northfield Park has seen massive renovations since 1996. The changes have allowed it to better compete with the national racetracks. The improvements include an added level to the already large two-level grandstand, increased seating in the 40-person sports bar and a new clubhouse with individual televisions that lets viewers experience all of the horse-racing action in the comfort of a high-class dining room.