Duchossois Optimistic About Future

The approximately 175 members and guests of the Thoroughbred Club of America who braved a cold, winter night Jan. 9 to attend the organization’s annual Testimonial Dinner heard a warming, optimistic view of racing from Richard L. "Dick" Duchossois, an industry icon best known for his success as operator of Arlington Park in suburban Chicago.

Acknowledging that North American horse industry faces some challenges, especially the highly publicized economic downturns in the breeding and racing industries, the 89-year-old Duchossois said the industry is in a transition phase that should make it poised for a bright future.

"This industry isn’t dying," Duchossois said. "There is no way we could ever think it is dying. Nor is it on life support. It has too much to offer and we’re not going to waste it...I am optimistic because you are going to change the face of racing."

Duchossois said much of his bullish view of the industry’s future is based on the transitions it is now undergoing. He noted the successful marketing efforts by Keeneland and Churchill Downs Inc., which now owns Arlington Park, to attract a more diverse and younger fan base as examples of ways in which racing is making the changes necessary to survive.