Arlington Park Future In Flux As Last Horse Races Of Season, And Likely Ever, Set For Saturday

The final race day of the 2021 time will take place at Arlington International Racecourse on Saturday, September 25. There is a great possibility that horse races won’t ever be held at Arlington suddenly based on what we know.

Earlier this year, Churchill Downs announced its intention to purchase the trail. Although not explicitly stated, it is generally agreed that Churchill Downs will not be sold to any Illinois residents interested in utilizing the property for horse racing or casino gambling.

Why? Casino Rivers

Moreover, Churchill Downs is the main user of Rivers, a town near Des Plaines. The concept is that Churchill Downs does not wish to position Rivers, the most famous casino in Illinois, in competition with any adversaries.

Regarding the sale, Roy Arnold, the former Arlington president and current bidder for the property, recently spoke to the Chicago Tribune saying:

“I can only deduce that their aim is to limit competition. This is related to the protection of Rivers Casino.”

Arnold’s group offered $120 million for the property. However, he had not received a response from Churchill Downs since more than a month ago, as of mid-September.

If Arlington Park no longer hosts horse racing, only two horse racetracks will remain in Illinois.

What about Arlington Park did Illinois miss?

Without Arlington, the only horse tracks in Illinois would be Hawthorne Race Course and FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing. FanDuel is situated in southeastern Illinois, and Hawthorne is in the region of Chicagoland.

Horse racing industry expert, Michael McCormick, whose work has been featured on AmericasBestRacing.net, made a remark to Play-illinois.com about what the state stands to lose.

Outside of the Arlington Million, can anyone think of another well-known Illinois-based race? & ldquo & rdquo,

He went on:

The architectural beauty of Arlington Park is unmatched, even when compared to the coastal mountains of Southern California or the charm of Saratoga. Its well-kept facilities, courteous staff, and enjoyable clientele ensure that anyone new to racing will have a wonderful first impression.

According to McCormick, Hawthorne will then bear the majority of the horse racing burden in Illinois, as FanDuel is a newcomer to the industry. It’s also speculated that FanDuel is more inclined to use horse racing as a gateway to casino gaming and sports betting, rather than as a standalone interest.

Arlington Park was established in 1927 and made history in 1981 by being the first purebred culture to feature a million dollar handbag.

The International Festival of Racing, which happened in early August, was its main attraction. The Arlington Millions Stakes were also conducted there.

The track, situated in Arlington Heights, has a seating capacity of 35,000. Tony Petrillo, the President and CEO of Arlington track, commented on the final day:

There will come a time when I want to fully absorb all the knowledge about Arlington. I desire the ability to explore on foot. The individuals, the backers, who are thoroughly enjoying themselves and engaging in conversation with some of the horses, are all present. Maybe there’s a way I can convince them that we will come back, and the problems we’re currently dealing with will be sorted out.

Had the sale of the Bears prevent open outrage?

This summer, the Chicago Bears made a bid to purchase the track. Significant consequences will ensue if Churchill Downs selects the Bears.

McCormick believes that purchasing the Bears might safeguard the reputation of Churchill Downs.

In my view, the only event that could potentially change the narrative of Churchill Downs being responsible for the demise of horse racing in Illinois is if they sell to the Bears.

The Bears would not compete with Rivers. Indeed, they are partners, which is one of the reasons why the idea of the Bears being in the suburbs is a genuine possibility.

Rivers is the official casino for The Bears, and they have recently appointed BetRivers as their acknowledged sports betting partner. Undeniably, the timing is unusual, and Churchill Downs was set to announce its decision anytime.

We recently discovered that there has been a disagreement between the Bears and the Chicago Park District about the establishment of a sports betting lounge at Soldier Field. While the Bears are in favor of this development, the Park District opposes it, causing frustration for the Bears.

Information about the Arlington last competition day

If you were hoping to attend Arlington on Saturday but do not currently have reservations, unfortunately, you’re out of luck. All the reservations are already taken.

On Saturday, the doors will open at 1 p.m. for those with reservations. Nighttime will be illuminated, and the inaugural blog will commence at 2:25 p.m. The tribes conclude their activities at 6:00 p.m.

Hawthorne will be hosting thoroughbred races throughout the fall season for those residing in the Chicagoland area interested in attending more horse races.

Expect to hear a lot more about Hawthorne in the future, as it currently has no competitors.