Purses are up in TX which is great news for those in TX, but also Colorado owners who often send their horses south after the meet closes here. The meet is over here and just recieved some stats:

2008 Arapahoe Park
42 races (29 book + 13 extras)
$300,800 total purse money
Avg $7162

2007 Arapahoe Park
37 races (24 book + 13 extras)
$248,150 total purse money
Avg $6707

2008 saw an increase of 5 races over 2007, and an increase of $52,650 in total purses paid. Average purse also increased by $455.

2008 - 100 horses available, 25 did not start, net 75 runners

2007 - 94 horses available, 24 did not start, net 70 runners

Either way you look at it, encouraging. Also encouraging is COBRA has been contacted by our racing secratary who wants to work with us on increasing handle. A number of ideas have been put forward, mostly concentrating on providing handicappers with more pertinent information on Arabian races.

It all sounds like great news. But as you may know, it was just announced that Arapahoe Park has been put up for sale by its owners. BLB Investors llc. Apparently all of the Colorado properties are now for sale. (Arapahoe Park, Mile High greyhound park, Pueblo greyhould park, and Post Time greyhound park). They don't seem to care whether it stays a racetrack or is purchased for another use. Needless to say, this is devestating news for anyone that races in Colorado, and to all of us race fans. Hopefully someone that truly wants to see live horse racing in Colorado will purchase the track. It's been pretty obvious for sometime that BLB couldn't care less about racing in Colorado.

Do you have any news regarding this that you can share? I've been rather depressed since hearing this news. The rumor had been around for ages, but now it appears to be fact. Any info that anyone can provide regarding this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Is there another race track in CO?

What Will happen with the CBC?

No. This is the only racetrack operating (or was operating) in Colorado. Hopefully someone that wants to keep it a racetrack will purchase it, but I haven't heard anything other than the property is for sale. Hopefully we will hear more about this in the coming weeks.

The dog tracks certainly are for sale in Colorado, there is no confirmation that the horse track is for sale. This comes from the recent CHA meeting a week or so ago. If you have more current information I would appreciate it.

While you say that there is no interest if there is racing in Colorado, I think that is somewhat inaccurate. The reality is Colorado legislation requires that there can be no simulcast without a live meet in Colorado. This means from any track anywhere, which would impact the casinos and their sport book operations. As we all know, the gaming industry is not without its powerful lobbying effort.

As Mark Twain once said, "the report of my death was somewhat premature."

Jeff

Hey Jeff.

Thanks for your response. Gives me at least a small glimmer of hope. The story I read was on www.aqharacing.com about 2 weeks ago. I tried to go back and archive the story, but I couldnt find it. But it definitely said that all of the Colorado properties, including Arapahoe Park were for sale. It said they tried to contact Manager Bruce Seymour for a response, but he wouldnt return their phone calls. I also had a person come up to me this past Saturday at the Denver airport and ask me if it was true the track was not going to be racing anymore (I had my Arapahoe Park jacket on). I realize that's not credible information, but it's still unsettling to say the least.

I also have a hard time believing that the current owners of Arapahoe would just walk away from the simulcast operation. I realize that live racing is losing money, but that's true of most race tracks around the country. The simulcast brings in millions a year. And I also believe this past year saw pretty good increases in attendance and handle at the live meet.

Anyway, as a fan who has never missed a day of live racing since 1992, I very much hope what I read isn't true. Or maybe another owner will come in and buy the track to continue racing. If it was promoted properly, I truly believe Colorado racing could be wildly successful.

Thanks again for your info Jeff. If you could keep us updated here, I would greatly appreciate it.

Rick

Rick, your responses have peaked my interest as well. Honestly, I hear these rumors a lot and already it was sold once -- Wembley to current owner which was a better situation in my opinion.

I am impressed that you have not missed a live day of racing since '92 -- wow. You probably saw all my few highs and abundant lows as a trainer then and never even knew it!

Certainly pass on any info you have.

Jeff

Hi Jeff. Here is the story that was on aqharacing.com. I hope it's ok to post it like this. Anyway, here it is....

Colorado’s only horse racing track, Arapahoe Park, at Aurora, has been listed for sale by its owner, BLB Investors, LLC.

The Connecticut-based company includes partners Kerzner International Limited, Starbell Investors, LLC and Waterford Group, LLC. Listed with Cushman & Wakefield realty, the portfolio includes their other holdings, Mile High Greyhound Park & Event Center at Commerce City; Pueblo Greyhound Park at Pueblo; and Post Time Greyhound Racing at Colorado Springs. The listing details them as for sale either individually or as a group, and states “While the properties could continue to be utilized for gaming purposes, each site also represents a current or future redevelopment opportunity.”

BLB Investors acquired the U.S. holdings of Wembley USA, in July 2005. This included Twin River (formerly Lincoln Park in Rhode Island), and five Colorado properties, including the ones listed for sale.

Arapahoe Park General Manager Bruce Seymore did not return a call placed Thursday morning.

This year, Arapahoe Park conducted 35 race days, running 76 races from May 24 to August 11. That was up from last year’s 72 races over a 24-day meet. Purses rose 11 percent to $867,775, and handle rose 4 percent to $663,782.


Note the above figures on handle are for Quarter horse races only.

Rick,

I wonder when that story was posted and if it has been rescinded. Because of your enquiry, I talked to my father who sits on the COBRA board - Colorado Owners and Breeders of Racing Arabians. He reported that there was this rumor, so COBRA's president and CHA (Colorado Horsemans Assoc.) board member Ray Teusch contacted Bruce Seymore. Bruce confirmed that it was a rumor, more than likely stemming from BLB's efforts to sell the dog tracks. Bruce said there are no current plans to sell Arapahoe Park currently, nor is it listed for sale currently. Plans are well underway for next years meet.

This is what I know,

Jeff

Hey Jeff,

Thats incredibly good news. I can stop being depressed now! (haha). Although the rumor still seems to be around, I guess if Bruce Seymour says there is going to be a 2009 season, there's no reason to think otherwise.

Although I have to say, I have seen the real estate listing, and it does show Arapahoe being for sale, along with all the dog tracks. So I guess I'm still somewhat confused by that. Maybe they are just trying to get rid of some of the extra land they have out there. I know there had been some talk of that in the past. But your news sure sounds encouraging. I appreciate all the info you have given me regarding this. I hope I didn't come across as a pest, but I was hoping what I had read regarding the track being for sale wasn't true, and it looks like that's the case!

Thanks again! Feel free to post any updates you might get. I would really appreciate it! Take care....

Rick