Richard Winning can still picture the days when Derby Lane’s grandstands were filled with thousands of screaming fans. In its heyday, the “Churchill Downs of greyhound racing” saw more than $105 million wagered and welcomed the likes of Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle. But by the early 2000s, competing casinos and other gambling opportunities led to a significant downturn in attendance and revenue.

The passing of Amendment 13 in the 2018 election sunk the industry for good. Nearly 70 percent of voters opted to ban dog racing in Florida by the end of 2020, and on December 27, Derby Lane will hold its final race. Below, track CEO Richard Winning reflects on nearly 100 years of Derby Lane.