After 74 years of operation, California’s oldest racecourse is forced to close its doors for the last time following the 2008 season. The San Mateo City Council voted to approve plans to have the site leveled and turned into a mix of retail space and residential units. Proponents of the proposal view Bay Meadows as a stain on their community, whereas opponents believe it is another case of commercial value eclipsing historical importance.

The site, located 19 miles south of San Francisco, sits on valuable real estate, and the 83-acre site is guaranteed to generate more tax revenue for the City of San Mateo.

The following are a collection of images taken during the last two seasons that the racecourse was still in operation.