Friday, September 03, 2010

HOLLYWOOD PARK, OAK TREE AGREE TO SECOND MEET IN 2011

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (September 3, 2010)—The spirit of cooperation and the manner in which planning for the first Oak Tree meet at Hollywood Park has progressed has led to the two sides agreeing to run a second fall meet at the venue in 2011.

An agreement was finalized Friday to continue the arrangement, meaning plans call for Oak Tree’s 2010 and 2011 seasons to be conducted here.


While the California Horse Racing Board has allocated racing dates for the 2010 Oak Tree meet, dates have yet to be awarded for the 2011 season and the allocation of those dates is at the discretion of the CHRB. Both the 2010 and 2011 Oak Tree race meets have not secured the necessary licenses from the CHRB and the issuance of those licenses is at the discretion of the Board.

The inaugural Oak Tree at Hollywood Park meet will commence on Sept. 30 and continue through Oct. 31. Uncertainty regarding the condition of the main track at Santa Anita caused the move of the Oak Tree Racing Association, which is a not-for-profit, non-dividend paying group of California owners and breeders, from the location it had occupied since 1969.

“We’re very glad to have this done,’’ said Hollywood Park president Jack Liebau. “Hollywood Park looks forward to a long and successful relationship with the Oak Tree Racing Association.’’

Sherwood C. Chillingworth, the executive vice president of the Oak Tree Racing Association, was thankful and looking forward to the future.

“Oak Tree is very appreciative of the cooperation we have received and the spirit in which Hollywood Park has offered its facility for the next two years,’’ said Chillingworth. “We understand that the California Horse Racing Board has to approve our dates and licenses, but we are hopeful that the Board will respond positively to our request.’’

Comments (0)