Tag: The Biz

Equibase, North American racing's official database, has released its April statistics for the industry's economic indicators, including field size, wagering, and other data. With a several full cards of racing cancelled at Laurel Park due to track surface concerns, and a pair of cards cancelled at Gulfstream Park due to severe rain and flooding, there were a few significant changes this month.

April's metrics show a 2.97 percent decline in total wagering on U.S. races, a sharp drop compared to last month's 2.14 percent increase from March of 2022 to March of 2023.

With declines of 5.21 percent and 7.19 percent in February and January, respectively, that translates to a year-to-date wagering decline of 3.28 percent through the first four months of 2023. That's a slight improvement over the first three months of the year, which showed a 3.40 decline in total wagering.

Despite a 2.91 percent decline in purses from April of 2022 to April of 2023, the year-to-date purses distributed remains strong with a 5.25 percent increase.

Both the number of race days and races held showed decreases in April, leading to a year-to-date average daily wagering figure that declined 3.37 percent. That's an improved figure over the first three months of the year, which showed average daily wagering down 5.16 percent.

 * Includes worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races.

The post Economic Indicators: Wagering Down, Purses Continue To Rise Through April appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The end is near for Arlington Park.

The National Football League's Chicago Bears – which purchased the suburban Chicago racetrack from Churchill Downs Inc. as a site for a new stadium – have filed paperwork with Arlington Heights officials to demolish the grandstand, according to various media reports.

The Bears entered into an agreement in September 2021 to buy the 326-acre property for $197.2 million and closed on the deal in February. The track's grandstand, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, was built after a fire destroyed the old structure in 1985.

The team had threatened before to move out of Soldier Field near downtown Chicago but had never gone so far as to purchase property for a new stadium. After the Bears agreed to purchase Arlington, Chicago officials floated a $632-million plan to renovate Soldier Field – which is owned by the Chicago Park District – that would include a dome, expanded seating, and additional luxury suites and clubs. Bears officials pooh-poohed the proposal.for Arlington Park

According to reports, a team official said the application for a demolition permit does not mean plans or funding have been finalized for a stadium at Arlington. The Bears – which have long had a reputation for being frugal – are not seeking taxpayers' dollars to build the stadium but are looking a partnership with private industry to surround it with retail outlets, hotels, and restaurants.

Churchill Downs Inc. sold Arlington Park after opting not to open a casino at the track made possible through 2019 legislation. By then, the company had purchased majority interest in Rivers Casino, the state's largest and most successful gambling parlor, just down the road from Arlington. Churchill officials also opted not to sell the track to a group led by former Arlington president Roy Arnold, who planned to continue racing operations while developing some of the surrounding property.

Timeline for the demolition is not known. Arlington Park ran its last race in September 2021.

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Attorneys for trainer Jason Servis, who was scheduled to be sentenced May 18, are requesting a delay in the proceedings.

According to a letter from attorney Rita Glavin filed with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Servis is requesting a push back to late July. Glavin writes she has responsibilities to other clients scheduled for June.

The letter cites a “number of disagreements and … issues around those disagreements” regarding “certain factual assertions” in a presentence investigation report dated April 27, 2023. That report is not available in the public-facing version of the case file.

“Further, given the extent of the disagreements, the parties have scheduled time to meet and engage in a good faith effort to resolve as many disagreements as possible, such that if there remain disagreements, they can be streamlined and narrowed for the Court,” the letter read.

Those disagreements are not specified in the letter, and a number of recent filings in the case were filed under seal.

Servis was charged with adulteration and misbranding, conspiracy to defraud the United States (misbranding drugs) and attempt and conspiracy to commit wire fraud in March 2020 in a massive indictment that included fellow trainer Jorge Navarro among other horsemen and veterinarians. The indictment charged Servis with overseeing administration of SGF-1000 to Eclipse Award winner Maximum Security among others, ordering falsification of vet records to conceal this administration, and overseeing administration and transport of misbranded clenbuterol.

Though he initially entered a plea of not guilty in the case, he changed his plea in early December. This made him the final in a line of more than a dozen defendants to plead guilty, be found guilty by a jury, or enter into an agreement to defer prosecution. 

With other defendants who have entered a guilty plea, the government has prepared a federal presentence investigation report, followed by more narrative reports prepared by defense attorneys and prosecutors advocating for specific penalties within an identified range from the presentence investigation report. The latter two reports have been available in public court filings for other defendants as sentencing approached, but are not yet present in Servis' file.

The post Servis Attorney Requests Sentencing Be Rescheduled To Late July appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Tickets for the 2023 Breeders' Cup World Championships are on sale now at BreedersCup.com/Tickets. Beginning today, fans can secure their place at the 40^th annual running of the international showcase, which will return Nov. 3-4 to Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.

Featuring 14 Grade 1 races and $31 million in purses and awards, the 2023 World Championships will entertain fans from around the globe as the sport's best horses, jockeys, and trainers compete over two days of spectacular racing. Attendees will enjoy outstanding culinary experiences, high fashion, and top entertainment in the shadow of the San Gabriel Mountains as the World Championships are held at Santa Anita for a record 11th time.

Fans can purchase tickets online at BreedersCup.com/Tickets or by calling the ticketing office at (859) 514-9428. A range of seating options at various price points are available, including Grandstand Reserved Seating, expanded Clubhouse Box Seating, indoor and outdoor premium dining, and General Admission. Those interested in hosting corporate outings or large groups may register for more information at BreedersCup.com/Groups.

“Santa Anita Park is a special place for the Breeders' Cup, and we're excited to have fans join us in returning to this historic track for another incredible two days of international racing,” said Breeders' Cup President and CEO Drew Fleming. “We are thrilled to celebrate the 40^th running of the World Championships at one of the world's most majestic and picturesque sports venues and are hard at work alongside our partners at Santa Anita to ensure that this year's running is the best and biggest yet.”

Curtis Stone, a Michelin-starred chef and world-renowned restaurateur, author, media personality, and businessman, will curate exclusive menus for premium dining areas at the 2023 World Championships. Owner of the critically acclaimed Gwen and Maude restaurants in Los Angeles and Georgie in Dallas, Stone will create innovative offerings to be presented to approximately 9,000 guests over the two-day span.

“This is an exciting time for all of us here at Santa Anita,” said Aidan Butler, President, Santa Anita Park & Executive Vice-Chairman, 1/ST Racing & Gaming. “To have been chosen for a record 11th time to host the 2023 Breeders' Cup World Championships on Nov. 3 and 4 is indeed an honor. On behalf of the management and staff here, along with our horsemen, we look forward to showcasing the superstars of our sport on the world's biggest stage and at in our opinion, the greatest facility in all of racing. We look forward to again welcoming the world as the Breeders' Cup celebrates its 40th running.”

General admission prices start at $50 per person for Friday, Nov. 3, and $75 for Saturday, Nov. 4. Demand is expected to be high, so fans are encouraged to secure their tickets as soon as possible.

In accordance with the longstanding commitment of Breeders' Cup to delivering a curated and intimate fan experience, and with potential for record-breaking attendance in 2023, Breeders' Cup and Santa Anita Park officials are working to ensure optimal seating offerings for all attendees, while maintaining an intimate fan experience and ensuring maximum safety and comfort.

Breeders' Cup Experiences is the Official Ticket, Hospitality, and Travel Package provider for the 2023 Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita Park. Packages are all-inclusive and provide top-end food and drink, reserved seating, hospitality, and exciting insider experiences. Fans can visit the Breeders' Cup Experiences website, BreedersCupExperiences.com, for more information.

All on-site parking at Santa Anita will be sold in advance. Pricing ranges from $50 per pass on Friday to $125 per pass on Saturday, depending on the lot location. A dedicated ride-share lot will be available for patrons over the weekend. For more information, please visit BreedersCup.com/Transportation.

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