Fairplex seeking funding to expand

[Southieboy]

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-seekin ... od-closing

[Tvghrtvfan]

Originally thought it would be Fairplex that would take over the HOL Dates. It would actually be a good idea since Los Al isn't gonna install no turf.

[Hollywoodmike]

It still looks like it will be a bullring causing havoc all over the racetrack.

[Tvghrtvfan]

At least there's a turf course installed

[Elhelmete]

Why go through the hassle of expanding a track and not make it 8 furlongs or longer?

[Southieboy]

I think ultimately neither track will expand, just Los Al building additional barns. Los Al is probably only interested in it to get more t-bred races on the cards year round, perhaps up to $12-$14k claimers and unlimited distances.

[Andymays]

Fairplex has no shot.

[So.cal.fan]

They might, Andy, if they can get funding from horseman groups who want a track to replace Hollywood.
We did hear from a very good source that Hollywood will indeed run their last meeting this year.
They are going to need a turf course, and if Los Al can't provide that...then Fairplex will have to.
Unless....does Del Mar want to run a long summer meet? MaryS.?
It's all about the $$$$$, like everything is.

[MaryS]

...Unless....does Del Mar want to run a long summer meet? MaryS.?
...

To have a long summer meet, taking Hollywood's days, we'd need to get rid of that pesky Del Mar Fair. Since they are our landlords and attract about 2 million people, I'm guessing they wouldn't care to give us the dates.

[Southieboy]

They might, Andy, if they can get funding from horseman groups who want a track to replace Hollywood.
We did hear from a very good source that Hollywood will indeed run their last meeting this year.
They are going to need a turf course, and if Los Al can't provide that...then Fairplex will have to.
Unless....does Del Mar want to run a long summer meet? MaryS.?
It's all about the $$$$$, like everything is.

5/8th of a mile turf course and 6F dirt track is asking for trouble. It works for places like Delta and Charles Town because of their location, plus both are only around right now due to slots.