From Arlington Park
Arlington Park, which will conduct its live racing meet from Wednesday, June 13 to Sunday, Oct. 28, announced Wednesday that it will construct three new barns in the backstretch prior to the start of this year's meet. The project, which will cost more than $3 million, will increase the number of available stalls by 164 to a maximum capacity of 2,140.
"It is an exciting time for Illinois racing," said Arlington Park chief executive officer Scott Mordell. "This significant investment reflects the continuing commitment to the future of Illinois racing by both Arlington Park and Churchill Downs, Inc."The planned investment of more than $3 million added to the more than $3.4 million spent last year in preparation for Arlington's reopening, brings the total investment in backstretch improvements to approximately $6.5 million in the last two years.
"Additional stabling capacity on our grounds is always a welcome addition," said Frank Gabriel, Arlington Park vice president of racing and operations. "It provides us with greater opportunities for more horsemen to stable here, which will help us improve the quality of racing at Arlington while continuing the growth of racing in Illinois. Stall applications for the 2001 Arlington Park meet will be available beginning the week of Feb. 19 and are due no later than Friday, March 9. Arlington's barn area will open on Monday, May 21 with training on the main track slated to begin the following day, Tuesday, May 22.