Report: Illinois horsemen have new hope over Arlington's fate

Mike Campbell, president of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, expressed hope for the survival of Arlington Park during the organization's annual membership meeting held virtually on Saturday. 

Campbell noted the bid of Endeavour Properties, led by former Arlington Park president Roy Arnold, is among the three finalists to purchase the Arlington Park property from Churchill Downs Inc. and said he believed Endeavor's proposal was the highest bid "out of dozens," according to a report in the Chicago Daily Herald.

"They have the ability to close immediately, which nobody else does. And they have a plan for the future of racing in Illinois that I think is just remarkable," Campbell said during the meeting. "We think it's nice now. Just wait. If we can get Churchill Downs to say yes, you will have a world-class venue for horse racing like no other."

Campbell told horsemen he also believed a second proposal that would keep Arlington Park as a racetrack, reportedly led by publishing tycoon Patrick J. Callahan and trainer Kenny McPeek, is also among the three finalists. 

The NFL's Chicago Bears are known to be a finalist for the Arlington Park property. 

According to Campbell, there have been three rounds of bidding since CDI's deadline of June 15. But Campbell added he's heard nothing new in the last four weeks. 

CDI will announce the winning bid "when they're good and ready," Campbell said. 

The racing season at Arlington Park ends Sept. 25.