25 years of the Daily Journal — 2008

Approximately 9,000 people turned out to watch the sun set Sunday on the race track’s storied 74-year existence. Auctioneers were set to sell off pieces of the San Mateo landmark, making way for the wrecking that’s expected to start swinging later this year. Bay Meadows Land Company had plans to develop the 83-acre property into housing, retail and office space.

“It’s sad. Even though I haven’t played here in years because of the cutbacks; it’s sad,” said trumpet player David Hardiman. “It’s tradition. Consider how many people have been here over the years.

From show biz faces like Bing Crosby to world-renowned jockeys Willy Shoemaker and Russel Baze, Bay Meadows has played home to many important people. Mostly, it has been home to a family of employees and devoted visitors. Employees held their tears to the very end — maybe hoping to postpone the inevitable or praying for a miracle.

The crowd rose to their feet for the Last Dance race. Post time 6:33 p.m.

“Bay Meadows is poised to give us 90 more seconds of its majesty,” the announcer said over the hum of the crowd. “A quarter of a century is evaporating in front of our eyes.”