Churchill CEO says Louisville track may reduce dates, Arlington Park may be in jeopardy

Churchill CEO: Tracks need alternative gambling

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The chief executive of Churchill Downs Inc. says any racetrack without alternative gambling for extra income would find it difficult to stay in business and raised doubts about the future of its Chicago-area track.

Bob Evans told The Courier-Journal of Louisville on Thursday after the company’s annual shareholder’s meeting that “you can’t run on hope.”

Asked if Arlington Park near Chicago and historic Churchill Downs in Louisville are in jeopardy, Evans told the newspaper any racetrack that doesn’t have alternative gambling needs some business to make up the difference.

Evans said that while Churchill Downs has the famous Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks races, “it’s a tough one” for Arlington Park in Arlington Heights, Ill.

Information from: The Courier-Journal, www.courier-journal.com