Is Hollywood Park really going away anytime soon?
After Rail Trip won Saturday's $700,000 Grade I Hollywood Gold Cup at Hollywood Park, trainer Ron Ellis was asked how it felt to win what possibly could have been the final Gold Cup in the track's history.
"Well, it would be sad," he said. "I wouldn't be able to rejoice in it very much. I train here, this is my home track to train at now. So I'm really hoping that this isn't the last go-around for this track. You never know, but it certainly would make it bittersweet. I'd like another couple years so I can enjoy this Gold Cup for at least a year or two."
Said winning jockey Jose Valdivia, Jr.: "Who knows, this might have been the last Gold Cup. So to add my name to the list, it means the world."
We've been hearing about the demise of Hollywood Park for years now. In fact, three years ago the Inglewood race track was said to be destined to close at anytime. Well, here we are three years later and Hollywood Park is still running its signature race and holding its annual Turf Festival each Thanksgiving Day weekend.
Will it go on forever? Of course not. Some day, and probably sooner than later, Hollywood Park will close up shop as a racing venue and the land will be turned into a business and residential venture called "Hollywood Park Tomorrow." It's going to happen someday, but maybe not tomorrow like many people believe.
The fact that the Inglewood City Council approved ordinances and zoning changes, clearing the way for the development project, last week by no means suggests that Hollywood Park will be holding its final Turf Festival in November. Far from it. First of all, there's something about that $2 billion loan the developers need to secure before the construction can begin. Two billion in this economy, particularly the real estate market, might as well be five billion.
A man who should know a little somthing about the matter, Hollywood Park president Jack Liebau, continues to maintain a stance he's taken for two or three years now -- he's proceeding with racing as scheduled. Chances are that since racing secretary Martin Panza had to delay drawing for last Thursday's and Fridays cards because it was tough to fill the races, Hollywood Park will close down because of a shortage of horses before it shuts its doors due to redevelopment.
The same developer that has this track tore Bay Meadows down and its a pile of rubble and nothing is built there. What makes you think that he won't do the same to a track that is not making him money?
My sources tell me Hollywood Park is making a profit. Small, yes, but not losing money. I have no doubt whatsoever that the redevelopers want to go forward with their plan, but do you know where they are going to come up with $2 billion in this economy? Good luck with that.
Yes it's the same 'developer' and perhaps they've learned a thing or two since that BM debaucle. Two bil is a HUGE amount of money to latch onto.....which is GREAT news for horsemen! I think they'll hang onto any positive news they can get, don't you?
Lisa
Just suppose this approval by Inglewood City Council allows Bay Meadows Land Company to now put Hollywood Park back on the market by offering it to potential buyers as a race track or development project? I still see a muti use facaility along with the race track. The north parking lot, used by movie and feed companies could easliy be converted to a smaller version of what BMLC has proposed for the whole property. Imangine townhouses built around the far turn among the eucalyptus trees with a view of the lakes, flowers and the glorious race track. I'd love to own one of those condos.
EdWyn,
If you're referring to that development project co-existing with the race track, I like the idea. But you and I both know that good ideas rarely come to pass.
Art,
Thanks for all the great horseracing articles you write; it's something that is quickly disappearing from most newspapers and sports sites recently.
I still don't understand who is going to pay 300k+ for housing in Inglewood, in the LAX flight path no less. I hope the parties involved in loaning out $2 billion do quite a bit of research before any money gets disbursed.
Wake up, dimwits! There is no pile of rubble at what was once Bay Meadows.
Update your absurdity!
Save Hollywood Park= Pressure some one to buy it.Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze.
i was never a fan of that track in a bad place. its in the hart of hell not safe. santa anta is best and delmar. long live crystal water.