Frank Stronach has requested permission from the California Horse Racing Board for MI Developments Inc.'s two California racetracks, Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita Park, to each be allowed to race a minimum of 140 dates.
Echoing a call for less regulation that was a major theme in Stronach’s CHRB meeting appearance last month, the MI Developments chairman said the company should have the opportunity to devise its own schedule.
“We must be allowed to run those race days when we think we can get the most customers,” Stronach said in the letter dated July 1. (To read Stronach's full letter to the CHRB, click here.)
Santa Anita was allotted 83 dates in the 2009-’10 meet from December 26 to April 18. The track also has been leased to the Oak Tree Racing Association from September 29 to October 31 this fall, but MI Developments has indicated that it wants to discontinue its relationship with Oak Tree after this year.
Santa Anita could be a candidate to pick up live dates from Hollywood Park, which has been earmarked for development, but Hollywood’s development plans are uncertain because of the struggling economy.
“Naturally we do not seek any special status and believe that any other track should be able to compete for the same customers,” Stronach said. “We have no concerns if other tracks receive the same arrangement as MI Development
For the rest of the article: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2010/July/28/Stronach-seeks-140-dates-for-Santa-Anita.aspx
Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology
