The Illinois racecourse of East Moline Downs opened for harness racing on 2nd May 1973, although it remained operational for just a short time before going bankrupt. Attendance at that inaugural meeting was 4000, although the hosts had hoped for far more. Harness racing continued until 9th June, after which the focus changed to thoroughbred racing from 16th June 1973. Things did not go according to plan on the opening night; the meeting had to be cancelled before the full programme had been completed. Within 8 weeks the operators decided to pull the plug on the season, citing financial difficulties, although they did manage to host some quarter horse races in 1973. The next season saw the return of harness racing, which then continued into a second season. In 1976, a new year brought with it a new name, Quad City Downs, and a breath of fresh air from new operators. The 5 furlong oval track, with separate 2 furlong and 4 furlong chutes, shared a 149 metre home straight. Over time the management supplemented their racing programme with simulcasts and a casino, although even these new ventures could not stave off closure, and the track closed on 7th September 1993. |
