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Champagne Joe's 3rd update in his huge scoop for the readers ! Is it possible Hollywood Park may close ? Explosive news from Champagne this month. We certainly hope these rumors are just that, but in this anti racing climate, one has to ask if Hollywood Park can close, who's safe ? Story by Champagne Joe The views and opinions express in this article are those of the writer, Champagne Joe. They should not be considered to be the shared views and/or opinions of www.TheStickHorseRacing.Com or any of its staff members. 4/22/05 - Champagne's 3rd Update in his special reports on Hollywood Park Hollywood Parks big three (Rick Baedecker: Pres., Eual Wyatt: Gen. Mgr., and Allen Gutterman: V.P. in charge of marketing) along with Marketing Director Chrissy Tucker, working together to improve attendance & handle at this great racetrack, have formulated a solid plan of promotions & incentives for 2005. Knowing full well that this year could very possibly be the final year of operation at this historic racetrack, they have come up with several innovative promotions to highlight the '05 Spring/Summer meeting. They have pulled out all the stops this year by scheduling all Friday evening cards (save one, May 6th), with live concerts after the races featuring top name performers, (Chaka Kahn headlines opening night), and dollar beers & hotdogs. The Friday night programs are proven big winners in attendance figures. Also there will be 15 dates offering stakes events including the big Cal Cup day (April 24) with ten carded stakes races, culminating on May 30 with two big $350,000 Grade 1 Turf events. They are also offering 3 Kentucky derby Day contests for those in attendance on May 7, including Hollypks 4th annual Derby Hat contest, along with 2 handicapping contests. This year Hollywood also offers a guaranteed $200,000 pick 4 daily, with a $400,000 guarantee on Saturdays. Free handicapping tips will be offered each Sunday at noon in the Paddock Patio. Another inventive promotion is their Take 5 Fantasy stable contest which offers free clubhouse admission to participants on days when one of their Fantasy stable horses may be scheduled to run. Of course, the Hollywood Park Family Fun Days will be back with great activities for the kids including pony rides & visits by various cartoon characters. This season Family Fun Days are set for Sun. 4/24, Derby Day 5/7, Mon. 5/30, Sun. 7/3 & Sat. 7/9. All thoroughbred racing fans are urged to attend & participate in as many of these offered activities as may be possible. Increased attendance & daily handle numbers (including off track simulcast wagering) may help to stave off Churchill Downs' tentative plans to end Hollypk operations. Thanks. Good Luck, Have Fun, and I'll see you at Hollywood Park! 4/06/05 - Champagne Updates his Scoop of the year for our fans. Hollywood/Los Alamitos Hotline Latest developements. Sources privy to the inner echelon meetings & activity at Los Alamitos have reported that a tentative agreement may have already been reached between Dr. Allred (principal owner of Los Alamitos), and horse owner & entrepenuer Mike Pegram , thus giving solid credence to our previous report, "Hollywood Deathknell?". This now gives rise to further renewed speculation that an early demise of Hollywood Park racing is imminent, and may in fact now be considered a foregone conclusion. (It is now known for certain that Churchill Downs Inc. has Hollywood Park on the open market for sale to the highest bidder.) The exact dollar figure of the Allred/Pegram combo deal has not been disclosed however one may assume it to be in the eight figure range. The new investment money would be used to re furbish the mainly quarter horse race track, barn areas, grandstand etc. in order to upgrade Los Al to a first class thoroughbred facility. Expansion plans are to build 700 new barns, 3,000 more grandstand seats, and the creation of a one mile dirt track to replace the existing 5/8 mile track which would encircle a new 7 furlong inner turf track. Pegram says that to build an entirely new thoroughbred facility could cost around 400 million but by improving and expanding Los Al, that same facility could be created for a lot less. He added however that he and Allred have no intention of steam rolling this idea. "If we don't receive industry support we'll just walk away from the project. What we want to do is to create something new and exciting for southern California racing here at Los Alamitos.". We here at THE STICK were among the first to report on this development, so now you won't be surprised when you hear that Hollywood Park has permanently ceased racing operations, 'cause you can simply say you already read all about it at THE STICK! - Champagne Joe 3/24/05 "Hollywood Deathknell? Rumors abound in 7 around the Hollywood Park shedrow that this near 40 year old establishment is facing eminent demise as a viable racing venue. Recent meetings sagging track revenues & dwindling attendance figures,due primarily to its' location in what could be fairly described as a declining neighborhood, have forced Churchill Downs Inc., Hollyparks parent company into seriously entertaining thoughts of relinquishing the track as one member of its' thoroughbred racetrack empire. It is also rumored that this possibility has prompted McDonald entrepenuer and horse owner Mike Pegram to enter into negotiations with Dr. Allred, principal owner of the Los Alamitos race course, with intentions of buying into the primarily quarterhorse racing venue, and converting it into a major thoroughbred racing facility which would take on most or all of the thoroughbred racing days previously allotted by the CHRB to Hollywood. Rick Baedecker, president of Hollywood Park operations, will likely argue against closing his track, however what effect that argument may have is questionable since the final decision ultimately rests with the Churchill Downs board of directors. The Del Mar thoroughbred Club has hinted that if Hollywwood does indeed shut down, it will ask the CHRB for additional racing days as well. (Meanwhile ole Santa Anita just keeps on rolling along.). At present the future of Holly Park remains in limbo, but the weight of circumstantial evidence seems to be heavy on the side of an eminent future closing. As for myself, closing Hollywood would be a heartbreaker! I love Hollywood Park. I've had so many fun filled(often profitable) days at this historic track, it is definitely my favorite of all 3 So. Cal. race tracks. I'd hate to see it close down. The people employed there are the best! From the ticket sellers and security people, to the staff up in the Press room, to the workers down shedrow, to the behind the counter servers at the refreshment stands, to the friendly & helpful sales people in the gift shops, and especially the classy lassie Virginia Lammers, who runs those gift shops. Please! Rick, say it isnt so! Champagne Joe
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