Four organizations have officially thrown their hat into the race to build, own and operate a horse racing track in the Edmonton area.
On Monday, Enoch Cree Nation submitted a proposal to Horse Racing Alberta to build a racetrack on its land. Alberta Downs has also submitted a proposal.
Horse Racing Alberta said it received four proposals to build an “A” Race Track License in the Edmonton area, although it would not confirm where the other two proposals came from.
Six organizations previously accepted an invitation to submit a proposal, according to Horse Racing Alberta. The six organizations were:
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- Alberta Downs
- Century Casinos Inc.
- Enoch Cree Nation
- FNH Development Corporation
- Siksika Resource Development Ltd.
- Yurwynn Entertainment Group Inc.
In May, Horse Racing Alberta put out a call for “expressions of interest” to organizations who would be interested in owning and operating an “A” class horse racing track in or near Edmonton.
There were a number of requirements for applicants, including the ability to run more than 100 days of thoroughbred and standardbred racing.
At the time, the Enoch Cree Nation said it met all the minimum criteria and intended to make a strong case to bring horse racing to the community.
In the 1970s and 1980s, quarter horse and thoroughbred racing were held at Enoch Park.
READ MORE: Enoch Cree Nation hopes to bring horse racing to community west of Edmonton
In February, Northlands announced 2016 would be its last year in the horse racing business. The announcement was made as Northlands unveiled “Vision 2020,” the organization’s plan for the site once the Edmonton Oilers move on to Rogers Place.
READ MORE: New $165M vision for Northlands includes 7-sheet ice facility, outdoor concert space
Horse Racing Alberta said the four proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee, with the evaluation expected to be complete by mid-September. The board of directors will then determine which applicant, if any, will be invited to apply for an “A” Race Track License in the Edmonton area.
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