Arlington Park owner Dick Duchossois said Friday he has made a settlement with the insurance company concerning the destruction of his track`s clubhouse and grandstand in a fire last July 31.
”It`s not the whole $104 million that has constantly been referred to and is so misleading,” said Duchossois. ”That amount covered the entire track–the barn area and everything. The amount I received was much less.
”Now, I can rebuild any place I want, or I can put that money in the bank and do nothing.
”Illinois is my home. I want to stay in Illinois, and Arlington Park is my first choice. If we weren`t dedicated to racing in Illinois, would we be spending the millions of dollars we`re spending on our (13-day) International Festival of Racing this summer?
”But it`s almost completely out of my hands. It`s in the hands of the General Assembly and the Cook County real estate people.
”I don`t want anyone to think I`m using a ploy or bluffing or threatening. I`m just putting my cards on the table. I`m not asking for a guarantee or to be put on welfare. I merely want the opportunity to make a fair profit if I run a good business, and that`s impossible under the present conditions.”
Duchossois reportedly is exploring the possibility of purchasing land near Kenosha and rebuilding in Wisconsin if a referendum legalizes racing there next spring. However, the Wisconsin legislation that cleared the first hurdle this spring must pass the legislature again in the next session before a referendum can be called.
”My people have been doing a lot of looking for me,” said Duchossois, who has been trying to get a reduction in the Illinois parimutuel tax. ”My people very well could have spoken to a real estate broker in Wisconsin. Over 20 percent of our Arlington Park market area comes from there, but we have not signed anything or purchased any land.
”I would assume by the time Gov. Thompson has his May 14 racing summit conference, I would have a pretty good idea on where we stand. I know the governor understands the impact Arlington Park has on the breeding industry and the entire agricultural situation in Illinois and will do everything he can to help.
”I just can`t wait until the legislators finish at the end of June. I should be into the ground now. But I haven`t gotten any indication that the legislators have changed their position since we were rebuffed last fall, so I have to keep exploring other options.”
