New Racetrack - Edmonton Region

EdmTrekker · #1 Posted **Aug 9, 2016, 3:00 PM**

"Monday August 8th, 2016, at 3 p.m. marked the close for the Request For Proposal (RFP) to build, own and operate an "A" Horse Racing Facility in or near Edmonton. At the time of closing, Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) had received four (4) RFP documents. The RFP documents have been provided to the selection committee for their review and recommendation to the board of HRA."

And there at the post - and the race is on. But we do not yet know the names of the horses...

http://thehorses.com/news/industry/i...tation-closure

SHOFEAR · #2 Posted **Aug 9, 2016, 3:09 PM**

I believe Enoch submitted a bid. I think they have the best shot.

I'm pleased that there is so much interest in building a new track. It would have been really unfortunate if we lost horse racing.

sdimedru · #3 Posted **Aug 9, 2016, 3:22 PM**

Marty Forbes tweeted some details about the Enoch bid yesterday if someone wants to find it.

EdmTrekker · #4 Posted **Aug 9, 2016, 3:42 PM**

I like a nice day at the track...I am not big better and don't know a lot about horse racing - but make bets, drink some beer, usually have lunch or dinner there. Love going to the rail and smelling the track, horses and sweat off them after they have raced.

Horse Racing Alberta not saying who the 4 are - typical process when bids are being evaluated. Of course the 7 who were invited after the Pre-Qual - we do know and Enoch was one them. I hope the "BEST" Proposal that provides the best facilities wins - and we don't end up with some low-brow track. We should know in a month or so (hopefully).

cyeg66 · #5 Posted **Aug 9, 2016, 8:07 PM**

I usually go down with a wife and kids a few times every summer. We would sorely miss this if they were to close up shop at Northlands with no replacement. It's a great way to spend the afternoon (or evening). We were just there on Saturday. Seems to me the winnings have been getting smaller and smaller over the years as Northlands runs this venue into the ground.

canucklehead2 · #6 Posted **Aug 21, 2016, 7:07 PM**

I've been told of the 4 bidders two have local operations and land available for facilities and 2 are a bit more are off the beaten track, so to speak... Rumors of a Sept 15 announcement... Stay tuned!

Hallsy's Toupee · #7 Posted **Aug 21, 2016, 9:09 PM**

This news piece from a while has more info:
http://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=927343

The 4 finalists are these:
1. Enoch (front runner)
2. Century Casinos (casino on Fort Rd near Belvedere LRT station)
3. Alberta Downs (want to move it to Lacombe)
4. Siksika Resource Development (FN reserve east of Calgary)

Enoch already has the land next to the River Cree casino, sounds like they are shovel-ready.
There's plenty of industrial wasteland near Century Casino to build a track, assuming that's their plan. Having the LRT station there is an added bonus.
If the RFP stipulates that it has to be in the Edmonton area then the Lacombe bid is a non-starter.
Not sure where the Siksika would build theirs.

Coldrsx · #8 Posted **Aug 21, 2016, 10:47 PM**

Amazing day at the Canadian Derby yesterday. Busier than ever.

240glt · #9 Posted **Aug 21, 2016, 11:00 PM**

Enoch is probably a good place for it. Lots of land for the track, paddocks, stands. Far more appropriate than the current location IMO

canucklehead2 · #10 Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 1:32 AM**

Also Century bought Apex Casino in St. Albert, which is right next to AGLC HQ. It's also near a lot of land I am sure they own adjacent to a highway (Henday) that will be completely encircle the city before a track would ever be opened. Tempting! Plus I believe they are completely rebuilding their casino as well...

Hallsy's Toupee · #11 Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 4:38 AM**

Thanks for that info, but from what I've read, that Apex deal still has to be approved by the AGLC.

SHOFEAR · #12 Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 2:35 PM**

Century Casino would be interesting.....

Airboy · #13 Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 2:59 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by canucklehead2

Also Century bought Apex Casino in St. Albert, which is right next to AGLC HQ. It's also near a lot of land I am sure they own adjacent to a highway (Henday) that will be completely encircle the city before a track would ever be opened. Tempting! Plus I believe they are completely rebuilding their casino as well...

APEX gets a slight expansion and there is talk of a hotel component. As for Land near the casino. There is none that would be of substantial size.

EdmTrekker · #14 Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 6:27 PM**

My money's on Enoch and Century. In a perfect world "frequent" public transit to the racetrack would be great ... but I am doubtful ETS is going to service Enoch or some fringe location that century may be eyeing other than passing by a major arterial.

canucklehead2 · #15 Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 6:58 PM**

Since we're talking gambling, anyone wanna set the odds?

Enoch 1.5:1
Century 5:1
AB Downs 25:1
Siksika 50:1

Black Star · #16 Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 8:43 PM**

From the sounds of it Northlands is now back tracking....no pun intended

canucklehead2 · #17 Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 8:49 PM**

August 31st is very important for everyone in the industry...

BretttheRiderFan · #18 Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 9:35 PM**

Took in the afternoon at Derby day on Saturday, first time at Northlands (other than K Days or a concert in the infield). Very cool experience for somebody who hasn't been to a racetrack in ages.

EdmTrekker · #19 Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 10:53 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by canucklehead2

August 31st is very important for everyone in the industry...

Is that the day the announcement is being made on the right to operate the new track? What about the right to operate a casino...as that is not the purview of Horse Racing Alberta. Not a problem for Enoch as they plan to build adjacent to their existing Casino. But Century would need a new license...somewhere like south of the Anthony Henday and 50th Street SE...or??

canucklehead2 · #20 Posted **Aug 23, 2016, 5:53 AM**

A fork in the road for Northlands vis a vis the Vision 20/20 thing, the loan forgiveness ask to #YEGCC, Northlands Park concert venue redo, etc. All those other decisions I'm told are pretty much dependent on what happens under the pyramid on that day and obviously will have an extent on the HRA track decision timeline I am sure... Sure to be a packed house with ton of existing and potential jobs on the line depending on what transpires...