Arlington's Status as 2002 Cup Site Not a Done Deal

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by Bob Kieckhefer and Tom LaMarra
Arlington Park is no cinch as the site of next year's Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships.

Though Breeders' Cup officials have designated the suburban Chicago track as the desired location for the 2002 races, Arlington still needs at least three external approvals. As indicated by the fact the deal is still up in the air, those approvals won't all be easy to obtain.

At a minimum, Arlington officials acknowledge they must obtain horsemen's approval for the required Breeders' Cup purse redistribution; authority from the Illinois Racing Board for various rules changes such as uncoupled entries; and money from the state of Illinois.

Meanwhile, Breeders' Cup president D.G. Van Clief Jr. said Thursday morning it's crunch time. Breeders' Cup would have hoped to have had Arlington firmed up as the host site six months ago, in keeping with general practices for host sites.

"We've done most of the work, and don't think there are any insurmountable issues," Van Clief said. "The big issue is a lack of a commitment of support from the state (of Illinois). Obviously, we're running short on time. We'll have to get serious about contingency plans."

Arlington President Steve Sexton said Wednesday at Belmont Park that the track is still working on funding -- the key issue. If Arlington isn't able to pry loose from the state several million dollars in tourism promotion funds, track management will have to consider whether to go ahead with plans to host the Breeders' Cup.

But Sexton said the issue isn't clear-cut. The level of financial support, he said, might determine how much Arlington is able to spend on the presentation of the races, rather than whether it will accept them. The track would have to spend a significant amount of money to erect temporary seating and associated amenities.

State support, which seemed likely earlier in the year, now is in question as the slumping economy saps state tax revenue. State officials within in the past week have said their money crunch is so severe that the state might delay payment of its employees' medical bills -- a situation in which tourism funding will be examined closely.

If funding is set and Arlington agrees to accept the races, approvals from horsemen and the Racing Board probably would be formalities.

The ball is in Arlington's court, Sexton acknowledged. He said he is optimistic problems will be resolved.

Breeders' Cup officials have been eager for years to bring the Championships to the Chicago market and said there is no specific deadline for a decision. If Arlington were to bow out, corporate partners Churchill Downs and Hollywood Park reportedly also have pending proposals to host the
2002 races.

Van Clief wouldn't say which tracks are waiting in the wings should the Arlington plan fall through, but it is widely believed Churchill Downs is the front-runner. The 2003 World Thoroughbred Championships is slated for Santa Anita Park in California.

Van Clief did say once the necessary commitments are in place for an Arlington event, "I believe we can move rather quickly (to get a contract signed)."

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