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Originally Posted by Threechimes
Wanted to get a take on why this group bought old Yavapai Downs. For anybody not familiar with this story here is some background. Earlier this year 2018 a group bought Yavapai Downs which to my knowledge has been dormant since 2010. They paid 3.3 million for the property . They have done some nice renovations to the existing grandstand inside and outside. The track itself is in disarray . Going to need resurfacing and there is no tote board . Northern Arizona racing has failed many times . I would actually say that Arizona racing in a whole is a complete failure unless your cup of tea is 2-4k claimers.
I've been down there for simulcasting a few times now and it actually is a great outlet for such activities but I'm 100% failing to see the bigger picture. Casinos in Arizona are run by the Native Americans and there is zero chance this place would get a casino. Sports wagering is also a huge Longshot in Arizona and if it did come to fruition the existing Native casinos would be a favorite to control it. Any new forms of gambling offered by the state has to be approved by the casinos or they can severly cut there tax obligations to the state.
Arizona got rid of dog racing and Harness racing is banned from the state . You can't even watch harness racing through tvg as they block it out. So back to the question at hand . What am I missing here? There is zero chance this place ever turns a profit on horse racing alone . They are currently fighting with Turf Paradise and won't share signals . So betting on Turf Paradise is not even an option while sitting at Arizona Downs . Also to make matters worse . Santa Anita and Gulfstream will not be offered at any Arizona Downs off tracks because the Stronach group has a partnership with Turf Paradise.
I wish them luck but this place is destined to fail without some serious thought into how they can interest people in a market that has never succeeded.
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Well, I work here...and there are lots of plans for the future with experienced and respected racetrack management in position who are more than up to the task. There is a lot more going on than meets the eye right now and we hope to have the simulcast situation sorted shortly.
Dennis Moore will be overseeing the track renovation early in 2019. You can see early work on it at
www.arizonadowns.com
If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me:
britishracecaller@gmail.com and I will direct them to the right people for you.
Disclaimer: What i post does not represent the official views of Arizona Downs.
