Column: Chickasaw Nation eyes racetrack in Texas

Friday, May 29, 2009  

"Global Gaming has filed an "expression of interest."

And that interest is very serious, said the company’s CEO, John Elliott.

Global Gaming, in other words, intends, or at least hopes, to purchase Remington Park in Oklahoma City and Lone Star Park. Both properties are being sold in Magna Entertainment’s bankruptcy.

With all the uncertainty surrounding the state’s premier racetrack, Texas horsemen are understandably nervous and anxious about their future. Actually, though, the city owns the racetrack; it owns the facility, the bricks and mortar. Magna owns a long-term lease and the license.

And Elliott made it clear that should Global Gaming purchase the lease and license, the plan will be for Lone Star to continue operating very much as it has or even improve operations.

"We believe Lone Star is a profitable property and a quality property," Elliott said. "And we believe it’s well located with potential for other developments. ... We would want to have a robust relationship with the city of Grand Prairie and the horsemen.""

Get the Story:
Gary West: Chickasaw Nation might by Lone Star Park (The Fort Worth Star-Telegram 5/29)