Report: Churchill Considering New Track in California

Churchill Downs Inc., which owns Hollywood Park in Inglewood Calif., is considering building a new racetrack in the Golden State at an abandoned Marine Corps air base about 45 miles south of Hollywood in Irvine.

An Irvine official confirmed CDI has expressed interest in the former El Toro Marine Corps base, which is now called Orange County Great Park. Dan Jung, Irvine's director of strategic programs, told the Louisville Courier-Journal about 265 acres of the 3,700-acre site is designated for commercial recreation uses, which could include a racetrack.

Dozens of other investors' groups have also expressed interest in the land and are expected to submit bids, Jung said.

CDI officials did not comment on the report.

Hollywood Park has seen on-track business slip in recent years. Some say it is partially attributed to the track's neighborhood, which has been described by some as dilapidated.

If CDI was to build a new track, it would likely have to transfer its race dates from Hollywood. Because off-track betting is illegal in California, Hollywood would not be able to offer simulcast wagering without a live product.