Groom Andre Rivera, who works with trainer/owner Kevin McCarthy, waters Hey Kid at Suffolk Downs The last thoroughbred horse racing track in New England is closing this year, as the once grand Suffolk Downs yields to growing competition from casinos, lotteries and other forms of gambling. Experts say the local breeding industry could all but vanish.

Gate crew members watch the start of a race at Suffolk Downs in Boston.

A racing fan gestures as a horse is led out to the track before a race. Experts say the local breeding industry could all but vanish when the track closes.

The last thoroughbred horse racing track in New England is closing this year, as the once grand Suffolk Downs yields to growing competition from casinos, lotteries and other forms of gambling.

Jockey Gary Wales steps onto the scale after a race at Suffolk Downs in Boston.

Trainer/owner Kevin McCarthy rubs his horse, Top Hot Rod, in the stable at Suffolk Downs in Boston.

Trainer Bill Sienkewicz, right, watches his horse, Key Punch, come in second place in the sixth race at Suffolk Downs in Boston.