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Churchill Downs inc launches selling process

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has launched the process to sell the 326-acre site in Illinois that has hosted racing since 1927. 

Arlington came under the control of CDI in 2000 and while it's selling the property, it's committed to pursuing relocation of Arlington's racing license somewhere else in the state. The company believes there will be strong interest in purchasing the property.

"Arlington's ideal location in Chicago's north-west suburbs, together with direct access to downtown Chicago via an onsite Metra rail station, presents a unique redevelopment opportunity,” said CDI CEO Bill Carstanjen. “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."

CDI said it's committed to running Arlington's 2021 race dates April 30-September 25. CDI does not expect any sale of the Arlington site to close prior to the conclusion of Arlington's 2021 race meet or that the sale process will impact Arlington's racing operations this year.

While CDI officials previously have discussed such a move, the announcement Tuesday brings another level of reality to the situation. It's quite a turnaround from less than two years ago when it seemed the future of the track and Illinois racing would be on stable ground when the state authorized tracks to offer casino gaming and sports wagering.