Churchill Downs to sell Arlington Racecourse
Churchill Downs may seek to relocate its Arlington Racecourse licence elsewhere.
US.- Churchill Downs is to sell its Arlington Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
The company, which oversees 16 casinos and racing properties, said it does not expect a sale to go through before the end of the 2021 racing calendar on September 25.
Estate agent Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE) is marketing the property to new developers.
Churchill Downs Incorporated chief executive, Bill Carstanjen, told local press: “Arlington’s ideal location in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, together with direct access to downtown Chicago via an on-site Metra rail station, presents a unique redevelopment opportunity.
“We expect to see robust interest in the site and look forward to working with potential buyers, in collaboration with the Village of Arlington Heights, to transition this storied location to its next phase.
Carstanjen said the operator may relocate its Arlington racing licence elsewhere.
He said: “We are exploring potential options with the state and other constituents.
“We are committed to the Illinois thoroughbred racing industry and will consider all options in working toward opportunities for it to continue into the future.”
Meanwhile, a Churchill Downs subsidiary is suing horse owners in California in an attempt to prevent them from taking the company to arbitration over the commissions it takes from wagers made on its online platform.
