blueline
EOG Master
now thats a better story than mine LOL
Arlington memories
- Thread starter blueline
- Start date
now thats a better story than mine LOL
blueline
EOG Master
for TB you could usually find a shell game on the Laramie Ave side between the track and that little donut/hot dog type place just north of the track
$100 to win. But I did have a $10 exacta.
The story doesn't end there. It was late in the year and with no racing in Chicago in January and much of February, we sent the filly to a farm. I don't think they fed her because when we got her back in March, she lost at least 100 pounds. Due to the weight loss and layoff, we went back to the $7500 level (NW3 lifetime). Now we were 6/5 and the horse dueled most of the way and got run down late and ran second. She ended up getting claimed.
I had a hard time convincing Chicago racetrack management to show sporting events on their television sets.
The mentality back then was to keep your captive racetrack audience focused on the gambling product.
I remember buying a portable television (five-inch screen?) in the mid-1980s to watch the Celtics battle the Lakers while watching speedy Childewood Hanover and late-charging Timely's Best Man battle in the free-for-all division at Sportsman's Park.
Those were the days.
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A casino named Wind Creek is being built near the site of the old Washington Park.
The sign says "Coming soon" but I don't consider early 2025 as "soon."
Casino grounds are shared by Chicago suburbs Homewood and East Hazelcrest.
blueline
EOG Master
In a move that likely will bring an end to a storied racing history in Northern California, The Stronach Group announced July 16 that it will close Golden Gate Fields at the end of the 2023 race meet.
In making the announcement officials with the Stronach Group said they hope the move invigorates racing in Southern California, where The Stronach Group owns Santa Anita Park and the San Luis Rey Downs training center.
In making the announcement officials with the Stronach Group said they hope the move invigorates racing in Southern California, where The Stronach Group owns Santa Anita Park and the San Luis Rey Downs training center.
I'm trying to think of how many tracks I've been to that have closed: Arlington, Hialeah (as far a t-bred racing), Hoosier (no t-bred racing), Beulah, River Downs, Bay Meadows and now Golden Gate Fields. For harness, add Maywood to the list. And Dairyland for dogs.
Viejo Dinosaur
EOG Master
Sad story…Bay Meadows and now Golden Gate…what’s next?
FairWarning
Bells Beer Connoisseur
Forgot about Washington Park.
blueline
EOG Master
More information for anyone interested
www.thoroughbreddailynews.com
Greg Ferraro Q&A: Northern California Racing 'Necessary' For Racing's Viability
Sunday's news that The Stronach Group (TSG) will close its flagship Northern California racetrack, Golden Gate Fields, at the end of the year has ripped through the state racing industry like a cannon shot. It has left owners, breeders, trainers, grooms and a whole multitude of individuals whose...
www.thoroughbreddailynews.com
blueline
EOG Master
FWIW
He is the last surviving member of the four partners who purchased the legacied local oval from Gulf & Western in the summer of 1983. The others were: Dick Duchossois, Sheldon Robbin and Joe Joyce.
Duchossois subsequently bought out all others and was sole proprietor from 1986-1999. He then merged into Churchill Downs Inc. and his play palace -- shuttered following the 1997 season - reopened in 2000.
BUT ROSS IS STEADFASTLY REFUSING to extinguish the last flicker of hope that live thoroughbred racing could ever return to the Arlington grounds.
"An awful lot would have to fall right," said Ross, always a sharp, affable and direct man. "But as long as they don't mess with the racing surfaces (main track and turf), we could certainly still have a festival meet up and running once the Bears let it be known what they're going to do with the land."
The ultimate intent of the Bears is the wavering "X" factor.
If they decide to forge ahead and build on the AP land, Ross's vision is diminished.
If they don't -- or remain in limbo -- his rallying imagination gains traction.
"We'd lease and that's just a question of from who," said the savvy industrialist, who made his fortune as the founder of North American Glass Industries and Construction Inc. "It'd be temporary stands and tents, more modern versions of what we did after the fire in 1985 and then for longer meets in 1986 and 1987.
"I'd estimate that it would cost about $10 million. We spent roughly $500,000 to hold 'The Miracle Million' 25 days after the fire back in 1985. So, it'd be a lot more in the next few years. But I can guarantee we have investor interest to handle all of that."
THE CORE THOUGHT OF ROSS centers on an annual festival of approximately 30 days beginning in mid-June. He projects that licensing from the Illinois Racing Board "would probably take about 20 minutes."
"Time is running out for a 2024 festival," he boldly declared. "Especially if the Bears' demolition of the main building isn't done until December. But if we had until June 2025 to get a festival rolling, this thing is 1,000 percent doable."
Ross sold North American Inc. in 1995. The firm was the general contractor for the 1985 Miracle Million, the 15-day Festival of Racing in 1986 and a three-month "tent meet" in 1987.
For the grand rebuild in 1988-89, Duchossois chose Jack McHugh -- an old pal from Morgan Park Academy -- and his family's construction firm as the general contractor. Ross and North American were a sub-contractor.
ROSS IS ALSO WELL AWARE that the faintest glimmer of hope that there could be live thoroughbreds again at Arlington will send thousands of local pulses racing.
"I completely understand how fans feel because I'm one of them" he said. "When we did that big build back in '88-'89, we built it like a fortress. By then it was all Dick's money and he wanted elegance and he wanted permanency. He got both. What's going on out there right now is terrible.
"With a little bit of luck and a whole lot of energy and focus, we can still turn some things around."
But one big Q.: Is he aware that the phrase "Against All Odds" has already been taken?
He is the last surviving member of the four partners who purchased the legacied local oval from Gulf & Western in the summer of 1983. The others were: Dick Duchossois, Sheldon Robbin and Joe Joyce.
Duchossois subsequently bought out all others and was sole proprietor from 1986-1999. He then merged into Churchill Downs Inc. and his play palace -- shuttered following the 1997 season - reopened in 2000.
BUT ROSS IS STEADFASTLY REFUSING to extinguish the last flicker of hope that live thoroughbred racing could ever return to the Arlington grounds.
"An awful lot would have to fall right," said Ross, always a sharp, affable and direct man. "But as long as they don't mess with the racing surfaces (main track and turf), we could certainly still have a festival meet up and running once the Bears let it be known what they're going to do with the land."
The ultimate intent of the Bears is the wavering "X" factor.
If they decide to forge ahead and build on the AP land, Ross's vision is diminished.
If they don't -- or remain in limbo -- his rallying imagination gains traction.
"We'd lease and that's just a question of from who," said the savvy industrialist, who made his fortune as the founder of North American Glass Industries and Construction Inc. "It'd be temporary stands and tents, more modern versions of what we did after the fire in 1985 and then for longer meets in 1986 and 1987.
"I'd estimate that it would cost about $10 million. We spent roughly $500,000 to hold 'The Miracle Million' 25 days after the fire back in 1985. So, it'd be a lot more in the next few years. But I can guarantee we have investor interest to handle all of that."
THE CORE THOUGHT OF ROSS centers on an annual festival of approximately 30 days beginning in mid-June. He projects that licensing from the Illinois Racing Board "would probably take about 20 minutes."
"Time is running out for a 2024 festival," he boldly declared. "Especially if the Bears' demolition of the main building isn't done until December. But if we had until June 2025 to get a festival rolling, this thing is 1,000 percent doable."
Ross sold North American Inc. in 1995. The firm was the general contractor for the 1985 Miracle Million, the 15-day Festival of Racing in 1986 and a three-month "tent meet" in 1987.
For the grand rebuild in 1988-89, Duchossois chose Jack McHugh -- an old pal from Morgan Park Academy -- and his family's construction firm as the general contractor. Ross and North American were a sub-contractor.
ROSS IS ALSO WELL AWARE that the faintest glimmer of hope that there could be live thoroughbreds again at Arlington will send thousands of local pulses racing.
"I completely understand how fans feel because I'm one of them" he said. "When we did that big build back in '88-'89, we built it like a fortress. By then it was all Dick's money and he wanted elegance and he wanted permanency. He got both. What's going on out there right now is terrible.
"With a little bit of luck and a whole lot of energy and focus, we can still turn some things around."
But one big Q.: Is he aware that the phrase "Against All Odds" has already been taken?
blueline
EOG Master
Illinois Race Dates Set for Hawthorne Casino Plan
The 2024 Illinois racing calendar hinges on the assumption Hawthorne Race Course will be actively building out its long-awaited casino during the season. Hawthorne's Tim Carey said a "renaissance" awaits Illinois racing.
www.bloodhorse.com
blueline
EOG Master
Scratched Presque Isle off the list.
Took 2 laps of the casino looking for the intertack/ apron are...finally had to ask security..
Racing area....couple of tellers and some self-serve...tiny area...maybe half the size of the upstairs floor of Arlington intertack building.
Only. 1 non-employee / backstretch person under 45yold that I saw....on-track pools have to be tiny....big outdoor area.
Took 2 laps of the casino looking for the intertack/ apron are...finally had to ask security..
Racing area....couple of tellers and some self-serve...tiny area...maybe half the size of the upstairs floor of Arlington intertack building.
Only. 1 non-employee / backstretch person under 45yold that I saw....on-track pools have to be tiny....big outdoor area.
I was just there on Saturday. Yep, its mostly a casino.
blueline
EOG Master
Decent looking bar/dining area overlooking the track on the 2nd floor....only one table occupied 15mtp 1st race.
Saw Ronnie Allen's 4000th...think they said he is 82nd rider to accomplish that.
Husband/wife had a first starter in....finished 3rd...they were applauding when the horse came back...hugged the rider....nice to see people happy and excited about their horse
Saw Ronnie Allen's 4000th...think they said he is 82nd rider to accomplish that.
Husband/wife had a first starter in....finished 3rd...they were applauding when the horse came back...hugged the rider....nice to see people happy and excited about their horse
blueline
EOG Master
from a Harnesslink article about the demise of Illinois racing :
Fairmount Park Racetrack, located in Collinsville, IL, near to St. Louis, which also sports a one-mile racing oval, partnered with Fan Duel (the facility is now called FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing), and had plans to open a full casino by the end of 2024. Curiously, however, FanDuel has not revamped the Fairmount facility either. Is it possible that Fairmount/FanDuel is waiting to see what happens with the vacant land where Arlington Park once stood?
Consider this: the community of Arlington Heights was dependent on Arlington Park to provide them with tax revenue for almost 100 years. The Chicago Bears purchased the 326-acre property for $197 million, stating they planned to move from their downtown location of Soldier’s Field to the vacated Arlington site.
What’s curious also is that the Bears haven’t yet moved forward, and speculation swirls that Bears management is now considering building a new facility in their parking lots on the city’s lakefront, just south of where Soldier’s Field now stands. If the Bears do not build on the Arlington property as planned, then the community is going to look elsewhere for revenue. It is possible that FanDuel might procure that property, and bring racing back, in the form of a racino.
Remember, Illinois legislated a 5,000-machine racino for Arlington Park—undoubtably, until its demise at least, the state’s flagship racing venue. A facility of this magnitude would draw people from O’Hare, the nearby states of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana, as well as from Chicago, garnering hefty tourism dollars. The Arlington locale is also preferable to the Rivers Casino site because it has the acreage and ability to generate two to five times the tax revenue for the village of Arlington Heights.
The landmass allows for more entertainment options such as shopping and concert halls. This draw would bring in sorely needed revenue for Illinois, Cook County, the village of Arlington Heights, and importantly, the racing community.
Fairmount Park Racetrack, located in Collinsville, IL, near to St. Louis, which also sports a one-mile racing oval, partnered with Fan Duel (the facility is now called FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing), and had plans to open a full casino by the end of 2024. Curiously, however, FanDuel has not revamped the Fairmount facility either. Is it possible that Fairmount/FanDuel is waiting to see what happens with the vacant land where Arlington Park once stood?
Consider this: the community of Arlington Heights was dependent on Arlington Park to provide them with tax revenue for almost 100 years. The Chicago Bears purchased the 326-acre property for $197 million, stating they planned to move from their downtown location of Soldier’s Field to the vacated Arlington site.
What’s curious also is that the Bears haven’t yet moved forward, and speculation swirls that Bears management is now considering building a new facility in their parking lots on the city’s lakefront, just south of where Soldier’s Field now stands. If the Bears do not build on the Arlington property as planned, then the community is going to look elsewhere for revenue. It is possible that FanDuel might procure that property, and bring racing back, in the form of a racino.
Remember, Illinois legislated a 5,000-machine racino for Arlington Park—undoubtably, until its demise at least, the state’s flagship racing venue. A facility of this magnitude would draw people from O’Hare, the nearby states of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana, as well as from Chicago, garnering hefty tourism dollars. The Arlington locale is also preferable to the Rivers Casino site because it has the acreage and ability to generate two to five times the tax revenue for the village of Arlington Heights.
The landmass allows for more entertainment options such as shopping and concert halls. This draw would bring in sorely needed revenue for Illinois, Cook County, the village of Arlington Heights, and importantly, the racing community.
blueline
EOG Master
this is from a Herald article I read a couple of weeks ago :
Records obtained by the Daily Herald show Arlington Heights officials started working internally on a draft memorandum in July, ahead of a series of meetings with leadership from the Bears, Northwest Suburban High School District 214, Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 and Palatine Township Elementary District 15.
The records response, received this week, includes hundreds of pages of email and text message communications among top village officials, who have been working to craft a property tax arrangement that’s agreeable to the NFL club and school districts.
Emails show various red-lined versions of the document — labeled “draft and confidential” — have been sent back and forth among village officials, the Bears and schools. The village’s hired external consultants — lobbyist Matt Murphy, who is a former Republican state senator from Palatine, and real estate development expert Rob Hunden — also got a look.
But specifics of the memorandum itself were redacted by the village.
Records obtained by the Daily Herald show Arlington Heights officials started working internally on a draft memorandum in July, ahead of a series of meetings with leadership from the Bears, Northwest Suburban High School District 214, Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 and Palatine Township Elementary District 15.
The records response, received this week, includes hundreds of pages of email and text message communications among top village officials, who have been working to craft a property tax arrangement that’s agreeable to the NFL club and school districts.
Emails show various red-lined versions of the document — labeled “draft and confidential” — have been sent back and forth among village officials, the Bears and schools. The village’s hired external consultants — lobbyist Matt Murphy, who is a former Republican state senator from Palatine, and real estate development expert Rob Hunden — also got a look.
But specifics of the memorandum itself were redacted by the village.
blueline
EOG Master
I dont have any insight but I do think ArlHeights is choice 1........they want that to work....they arent just using it as leverage for somewhere else.........but if the tax issues arent resolved I think they stay in the city as long as the city comes with a great offer....I dont think staying in the city is smoke
blueline
EOG Master
from the press conference:
After fielding questions about the direction of the team, president Kevin Warren was asked about progress on the Bears’ stadium project. Warren was noncommittal to the Arlington Heights property, which the team owns. He said Arlington Park isn’t the priority for their stadium future — the goal is the stadium itself.
“The priority is to make sure we build a world-class stadium for our fans,” Warren said. “…That stadium is a 40-year decision. We need to make sure we get that right.”
It also sounded like Warren might like to keep the Bears in Chicago.
“There is something that is really special about downtown Chicago,” he said.
Warren said they’re still discussing and meeting with officials from Arlington Heights and Chicago. But, whenever they decide on a site, Warren expects the stadium to open 36 months the first shovel goes into the ground.
After fielding questions about the direction of the team, president Kevin Warren was asked about progress on the Bears’ stadium project. Warren was noncommittal to the Arlington Heights property, which the team owns. He said Arlington Park isn’t the priority for their stadium future — the goal is the stadium itself.
“The priority is to make sure we build a world-class stadium for our fans,” Warren said. “…That stadium is a 40-year decision. We need to make sure we get that right.”
It also sounded like Warren might like to keep the Bears in Chicago.
“There is something that is really special about downtown Chicago,” he said.
Warren said they’re still discussing and meeting with officials from Arlington Heights and Chicago. But, whenever they decide on a site, Warren expects the stadium to open 36 months the first shovel goes into the ground.
blueline
EOG Master
Illinois Race Dates Set for Hawthorne Casino Plan
The 2024 Illinois racing calendar hinges on the assumption Hawthorne Race Course will be actively building out its long-awaited casino during the season. Hawthorne's Tim Carey said a "renaissance" awaits Illinois racing.
Looks like the construction information has been removed from the Hawthorne website....no money?
You're a super sleuth, BLUE.
I assume the Carey kids have mismanaged the family assets.
Hawthorne has been owned by the Carey family since 1904.
FairWarning
Bells Beer Connoisseur
Heard a little discussion yesterday morning or this morning on the Score about building in the city. I can’t see the city building a stadium for the Sox and the Bears. Would the Sox go to Arlington Park?
Looks like the White Sox are headed for the South Loop area on a patch of land called "The 78."
Reinsdorf still wheeling-and-dealing at age 87.
Reinsdorf still wheeling-and-dealing at age 87.
"The 78" is a 62-acre site located at Clark and Roosevelt.
FairWarning
Bells Beer Connoisseur
Sad as there is nothing wrong with GRF. Very underrated place to watch a game.