Sports & Whatever

Tag: Churchill Downs

  • The Commission Was Silent. A Soldier Wasn’t.

    The Commission Was Silent. A Soldier Wasn’t.

    Maryland’s Racing Commission met for the first time since significant changes in the horse racing schedule, mostly remaining silent on pressing issues. Retired Colonel Damon Knauss criticized the commission’s lack of action and proposed moving the Preakness to April to enhance its importance. His comments highlighted the need for proactive responses to recent challenges.

  • How a $375 Million Plan Became a $715 Million Problem

    How a $375 Million Plan Became a $715 Million Problem

    Maryland’s horse racing redevelopment plan escalated from $375 million to over $715 million through five decisions made without public cost-benefit analyses. Key decisions included concentrating racing at a rebuilt Pimlico, abandoning Shamrock Farm, purchasing Laurel Park, and acquiring the Preakness IP, all while lacking transparency and accountability.

  • What Maryland Didn’t Consider

    What Maryland Didn’t Consider

    The Preakness announcement led to a new broadcast deal and date but did not resolve sixteen existing issues—eight created by Maryland and eight inherited from the industry. Key problems include reduced betting handle on Sundays and competition with major events like the PGA Championship, requiring Maryland to address structural shortcomings for racing’s future.

  • What Moore Announced — And What Comes Next

    What Moore Announced — And What Comes Next

    Governor Wes Moore’s press conference outlined major updates for the Preakness Stakes, including a historic Sunday date and a broadcasting deal with NBC through 2032. While the announcements were substantial, concerns about governance, competition with new racing series, and the economic implications for Maryland’s $633 million investment remain unaddressed.

  • The Hand They’re Not Playing: How Maryland Can Rebuild Horse Racing After the Preakness Shake-Up

    The Hand They’re Not Playing: How Maryland Can Rebuild Horse Racing After the Preakness Shake-Up

    Maryland faces a critical moment in revitalizing the Preakness and its horse racing legacy. With options to build independent coalitions and focus on a four-race calendar, Maryland has the chance to create a significant racing framework by 2028. Immediate action is necessary to secure this future and leverage its unique assets.

  • What CDI Does With Tracks It Owns

    What CDI Does With Tracks It Owns

    Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has a documented strategy for acquiring and managing racetracks, evident in its closure of Arlington Park and relocation of prestigious races to Colonial Downs. Maryland’s $85 million investment to secure the Preakness IP aimed to prevent such an outcome, ensuring the race’s future remains tied to its heritage, not CDI’s corporate…

  • The Bet That Already Lost

    The Bet That Already Lost

    Governor Wes Moore’s $85 million investment in Preakness Stakes’ intellectual property failed as Churchill Downs built a competing championship series, omitting the Preakness. CDI strategically divested remaining Maryland properties, indicating its departure from the state. Maryland’s efforts to secure horse racing prominence were undermined, raising concerns about governance and operational competency.

  • Maryland Is Bleeding Money. Voters Have a Choice.

    Maryland Is Bleeding Money. Voters Have a Choice.

    Maryland’s upcoming Republican primary reveals significant governance failures under Wes Moore’s administration, particularly regarding costly public investments in racing. The state faces scrutiny over mismanaged deals like the Churchill Downs acquisition. Republican candidates Dan Cox, Ed Hale, and John Myrick offer specialized skills to address these procurement and legal issues, challenging Moore’s record.

  • Maryland Is Trying to Buy Back a Race It Never Should Have Lost

    Maryland Is Trying to Buy Back a Race It Never Should Have Lost

    Maryland plans to spend $85 million to reacquire the Preakness Stakes brand, previously owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI). The state’s history of mismanagement raises concerns about its ability to effectively steward racing assets. CDI, with its successful track record, holds significant leverage in the negotiations.

  • Did Churchill Downs Give Wes Moore Buyer’s Remorse?

    Did Churchill Downs Give Wes Moore Buyer’s Remorse?

    Governor Wes Moore’s $48.5 million purchase of Laurel Park, aimed at strengthening Maryland’s thoroughbred racing industry, faces a 45-day financial review that raises concerns. Past mismanagement and Churchill Downs’ acquisition of the Preakness name limit the state’s leverage. Moore must clarify if the investment strategy remains solid amid these challenges.