Well Hollywood Park's days are now numbered. The Inglewood City Planning Commission unanimously recommended the destruction and redevelopment of Hollywood Park's 238 acres during their May 11th meeting. The final gasp of HOL's life could come as soon as May 28th when the city council makes their final ruling.No one seems to be shedding any tears.
TOC president Drew Couto reportedly stated that he is, "at peace with the demise of Hollywood Park," and that attempts to save the track were, "too little too late." His words surmise the sport's general apathy on the matter. During the series of city meetings no executive representation of the sport was too be seen, even after the planning commission pointed out that they should be present. An NTRA executive questioned on the matter via telephone reported that there were significant conflicts of interest preventing their presence during the meetings.
And so marks the loss of a 2nd race track in California within the last 12 months. In September 2008, Bay Meadows was demolished leaving behind a pile of debris that remains to this day and questions concerning the sport's vitality both in California as well as nationally. With Magna Entertainment Corporation in bankruptcy, Golden Gate and Santa Anita are also at risk of being purchased by a non racing entity, begging the question if they will be next to go. In December the general manager at Golden Gate Fields stated during a television interview that the future of the track was in the balance.
It makes a young person like me wonder what will be left for the next generation at the rate which the sport is being torn down.
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