I don't know why they at least couldn't have finished the season out, and given it a proper send off like Ascot's final race. It doesn't look like the place is overflowing with cranes....
The first time I went to Manzy, was in 1990 to the Western World, on the way to Ascot's final two nights of racing the following Saturday and Turkey Night five days later. One of the best Thanksgiving dinners ever, chicken cooked on the grill, and a can of cranberry sauce, in Ascot's parking lot!
After the checkered flag fell for the final Turkey Night, they played Auld Lang Syne, (the song played at New Years Eve) and the crowd just milled around the stands and pits for hours, telling stories, not wanting to leave. Looked out the window of the RV the next morning to find the blue No. 61 midget of Mel Kenyon, on an open trailer parked in front, and had a nice visit with one of my heros over coffee. Great memories of a sad event. But Manzy wasn't even allowed a wake for the fans to remember. If they had announced the end was so near, I definitely would have been there for the Copper on Dirt last February. Those pictures make me feel like the guy on the left!