Fairplex seeking funding to expand in anticipation of Hollywood closing

[journalstuff]

Fairplex Park executives said on Thursday that they are seeking “industry funding” for a proposed expansion of its racetrack at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds as an alternative venue for Thoroughbred racing when Hollywood Park eventually closes.

In a statement released by Fairplex Park on Thursday, the company said that it would like to expand “given the opportunity for industry funding.” The expansion would lengthen the existing main track from five furlongs to six furlongs, and install a five-furlong turf course on the infield with chutes on the backstretch and the stretch run to accommodate various distances.

http://www.drf.com/news/fairplex-seeking-funding-expand-anticipation-hollywood-closing

[honest & balanced terry]

I thought just the other day they said they weren't interested.

[Trainer Rusty]

I would go with fairplex if they offer a turf course.  Los is saying no turf,

[APCD Dan]

I would go with fairplex if they offer a turf course.  Los is saying no turf,

A seven furlong main course and a six furlong turf course.  I do not see that as much of an improvement.

[Trainer Rusty]

Can you think of a course racing with those dimensions?  IMO so cal should have turf racing.

[Trainer Rusty]

A personality on a california radio show said if los alamitos got the dates it would be the end of golden gate.  Wouldnt golden gate thrive?  Maybe the higher level so cal horses would go there and the so cal horses looking for turf races would ship up north.

[nmslim]

A personality on a california radio show said if los alamitos got the dates it would be the end of golden gate.  Wouldnt golden gate thrive?  Maybe the higher level so cal horses would go there and the so cal horses looking for turf races would ship up north.

Long haul ship

[honest & balanced terry]

A personality on a california radio show said if los alamitos got the dates it would be the end of golden gate.  Wouldnt golden gate thrive?

Can't see what difference it would make. Hollywood has the dates now, and Golden Gate is getting along. Golden Gate is also closed for the fairs part of the time Hollywood is running.

[Trainer Rusty]

He was claiming the races would be low level like los al runs now.  Except longer distances which would attract the northern california horses because the purses would be big.

[honest & balanced terry]

He was claiming the races would be low level like los al runs now.  Except longer distances which would attract the northern california horses because the purses would be big.

If Los Al modifies their track and spends all that money they won't be running cheap 4-1/2f races any more.

Plus GG would benefit by the lack of a turf track at Los Al. Any turf horse would have to go up there.