'Sad Day' In Arlington Heights As Racetrack Goes Up For Sale

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — With opening day just two months away, the future of Arlington International Racecourse is unknown. The flagship racetrack for horse racing in Illinois is for sale, according to Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), the Kentucky-based company that runs Arlington.

"Arlington’s ideal location in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, together with direct access to downtown Chicago via an on-site Metra rail station, presents a unique redevelopment opportunity," said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI, in a statement. "We expect to see robust interest in the site and look forward to working with potential buyers, in collaboration with the Village of Arlington Heights, to transition this storied location to its next phase."

Churchill Downs Incorporated owns and operates a number of racetracks and casinos across the United States, including Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and Arlington. The company bought Arlington, formerly known as Arlington Park, and its 326 acres in 2000.

"Yesterday was a sad day in Arlington Heights," Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas Hayes told Patch. "Looking on the bright side, I am happy that we will have horse racing again at Arlington Park at least this year as we celebrate a business that has been our main attraction for more than 100 years."

During last summer's COVID-19-shortened racing meet at Arlington, Carstanjen hinted the racetrack might hit the market in a quarterly earnings call with shareholders. At that time, CDI had only committed to the 2020 meet at Arlington.

In September, the Illinois Racing Board awarded Arlington race dates for 2021. The racing schedule consists of 68 live race days in the spring and summer, with the opening weekend featuring the Kentucky Oaks (April 30) and the Kentucky Derby (May 1), and will conclude on Saturday, Sept. 25, according to the racetrack's website.

While CDI may cease its relationship with Arlington Heights with a future sale of the Arlington racetrack, the company said it is hoping to relocate Arlington’s racing license to another community in the Chicagoland area or elsewhere in the state.

"We are exploring potential options with the state and other constituents and remain optimistic that we can find solutions that work for the state, local communities and the thousands of Illinoisans who make their living directly or indirectly from thoroughbred horse racing," Carstanjen said. "We are committed to the Illinois thoroughbred racing industry and will consider all options in working toward opportunities for it to continue into the future."

Arlington International Racecourse employs 750 people during a typical racing year with 250 on-site. It also currently serves as a COVID-19 testing site for the state.

"Arlington Park and its many employees have contributed much to Arlington Heights over the years as a valued community partner and will be dearly missed," Hayes said. "Going forward, we will be working with CDI and CBRE to encourage an exciting new use that takes advantage of the uniqueness of the property with the goal of putting it to its highest and best use."

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