The US Classified Equity Commission narrowly approved on December 21 a request by Churchill Downs Inc. to transfer Arlington Million (G1T), Beverly D. Shares (G1T) and Clerk’s Shares (G2T) next year to Colony Downs. CDI intends to host races at the New Kent, Va. on August 12.
Three bet races are the highlight events of the annual summer at Arlington International Racecourse before CDI closes its track in the Chicago area in 2021 following a face-to-face meeting and announcing plans to sell the property to the National Football League’s Chicago Bears. Arlington Million and Beverly D. were held this year in a single day of the summer race at Churchill Downsalthough the Secretariat and other classified holdings were dropped due to challenges associated with its fledgling turf.
The AGSC’s decision was announced in a statement distributed by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s office on Wednesday.
Youngkin said: “It is an honor to continue the legacy of these exceptional races by hosting them within our Commonwealth. “I am deeply committed to growing our equestrian industry and as we work to restore the sport’s rich tradition in Virginia, these bet races will accelerate our progress. and spark excitement for the fans.”
CDI hosted Arlington officials in last year’s Arlington Million sequel at Churchill Downs, but the event appeared to lack the lively attendance it attracted when held in Illinois. Kentucky drivers are also not used to attending Churchill Downs in the summer during a time when Ellis . Park Typically races.
Colonial Downs hosts races throughout the summer, with a focus on grass races on its vast turf. Before the previous Arlington races moved there, the $300,000 Virginia Derby (G3T) was its most prestigious race. Arlington Million and Beverly D. will become the first top-level holdings to be operated there.
“Churchill Downs Inc. remains steadfast in our goal of increasing the relevance of racing products in Colonial Downs and Virginia,” Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Inc., said in a statement. newspapers. “We appreciate the US Graded Equity Commission for approving this move, which is an important step towards that goal in terms of betting growth and entertainment value. We’re also committed to that.” end up increasing the revenue stream from historic horse racing to allow for future race day expansion.”
The governor’s office continues to celebrate the addition of Secretariat Stocks (G2T) to Virginia, where the legendary 1973 Triple Crown winner was bred.
Horse Racing Nation reported on Wednesday that approval of the races had progressed narrowly after a controversial vote among members of the AGSC.
A December 22 release from AGSC acknowledged a “prolonged debate about the positives and negatives of allowing races to maintain current rankings, even after region transfers. “
The committee’s rules state that when considering such bet transfers, factors such as purse, calendar date, conditions and race taking place in the same region will be taken into account. Colonial Downs and Arlington are more than 800 miles apart by car, with Colonial in the Mid-Atlantic and Arlington in the Midwest.
AGSW said in its release that “all race conditions, with the exception of region, are essentially the same as in previous years following the move to Colonial Downs.”
