Arlington Park news release
Contact: David Zenner
Dzenner@arlingtonpark.com
ARLINGTON SWAPS THURSDAYS FOR WEDNESDAYS IN MAY AND JUNE
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (Jan. 25, 2011) – Arlington Park will alter its 2011 racing schedule during the months of May and June by racing on a Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday basis before reverting to a Thursday through Sunday schedule for the balance of the meet starting in July. The change in schedule was approved today by the Illinois Racing Board at its monthly meeting.
By racing on Wednesdays in May and June, the track will face less competition on the national scene since fewer major tracks run on Wednesdays versus Thursdays during that time period. For example, Churchill Downs will race on Thursdays during those months but when the Kentucky racing scene shifts to Ellis Park after the Independence Day holiday, Thursdays will be clear of competition from the bluegrass state.
“Racing on Wednesdays during May and June will better position our races in the simulcast marketplace,” said Arlington Park General Manager Tony Petrillo. “By the time July rolls around, more major tracks are running on Wednesday so we will revert to offering live racing on Thursdays, which proved to be a strong day on-track during the second part of our 2010 season.”
The total number of racing days at Arlington Park for 2011 remains the same at 86. The meet kicks off on Friday, May 6 with racing on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, plus the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 30. This schedule remains in effect through June 30.
Starting July 1, Arlington Park will be open for live racing every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday plus Independence Day Monday July 4 and Labor Day Monday Sept. 5, through the end of the meet on Sunday, Sept. 25.
The Arlington Park season is highlighted by the 29th running of the Grade I Arlington Million, which along with the Grade I $750,000 Beverly D. and the Grade I $400,000 Secretariat Stakes will be raced on Saturday, Aug. 13.
Arlington Park – the Chicago area’s premier Thoroughbred racetrack located in Arlington Heights, Ill. – will run an 86-day meet in 2011 from Friday, May 6 through Sunday, Sept. 25. Arlington Park, whose parent company is Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN), also operates 11 off-track, simulcast-wagering facilities: Trackside Arlington Park (Arlington Heights), Trackside Chicago, Trackside Quad City Downs (East Moline), Trackside Waukegan, Shooters Bar & Grill at Don Carter Lanes featuring Trackside Rockford, Fat Sam’s Bar & Grill featuring Trackside OTB in Lockport, Silk and Sulkies featuring Trackside OTB in South Elgin, Nicolino’s featuring Trackside OTB in McHenry, Tad’s Sports Bar & Grill featuring Trackside OTB in South Beloit, Salerno-Pincente Ristorante featuring Trackside OTB in Hodgkins and Sundance Saloon featuring Trackside OTB in Waukegan. Information on Arlington Park can be found online at www.arlingtonpark.com.
