CDI/MEC/DNC/Whitney: All exit Empire
 

UPDATE: In addition to Churchill, Magna, Delaware North and Mary Lou ALL leave Empire...


Press release...

CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED WITHDRAWS FROM EMPIRE RACING ASSOCIATES’ BID FOR NEW YORK RACING FRANCHISE

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 10, 2007) – Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) (“Company”) today announced that it is withdrawing from Empire Racing Associates’ (“Empire Racing”) bid to operate the New York racing franchise.

Churchill Downs Incorporated was one of several business entities that joined in Empire Racing’s bid to operate the three New York Thoroughbred racetracks. Empire Racing responded to the formal request for proposal (“RFP”) issued by the State of New York seeking outside parties to bid on the New York franchise.

“When our Company took a position in Empire Racing in August 2006, we were joining a very diverse, accomplished, resourceful and highly motivated group of business partners, including New York horsemen, whose common goal was creating a framework that would ensure the success of New York horse racing,” said Robert L. Evans, president and chief executive officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated. “Since that time, the make-up of Empire Racing has changed significantly, and the bidding and selection process is now undefined. We continue to believe that Thoroughbred racing’s success in the United States requires that New York racing be economically viable. Churchill Downs Incorporated simply wants what’s best for New York horse racing, regardless of whether our Company plays a role in the ultimate solution. Remaining part of Empire Racing is not serving that goal, so we’ve ended our participation in Empire Racing.”

Marylou Whitney withdraws from Empire
 

Another group bidding for the racing franchise N.Y. loses a major player...

Statement from Marylou Whitney on her resignation as Honorary Chair of Empire Racing Associates:

Today I announce that I am stepping down as Honorary Chairwoman of Empire Racing Associates and divesting myself of all shares in the organization.

I originally joined Empire Racing 14 months ago inspired by a unique collaboration of several of the racing industry’s leading organizations, cemented by the support of New York’s dedicated horsemen and women. Today, Empire Racing has evolved into an entity with a vastly different feel and look, one that I no longer recognize. Although I wish the new team well, I am no longer comfortable serving as its Honorary Chairwoman.

Earlier this year, I donated half of my shares to the Backstretch Employees Services Team. I plan to donate all of my remaining shares to charity. In the end, I will support the organization that has a clear vision which places the best interest of New York Racing and our beloved Saratoga Race Course first, while remaining financially responsible.

It is time for the brightest minds in the industry and in government to overcome the politically charged atmosphere that exists to do what is best for racing in New York. We owe it to the fans, to the horsemen and to its legions of supporters. We owe it to my beloved crown jewel, Saratoga Race Course, to sustain the sanctity of one of the most historic and legendary venues in all of sports.

So CDI is out, Whitney doesn't want to be associated - who's left comprising "Empire"?

Apparently the Backstretch Employees Services Team, to whom she beqeathed her shares...

related story.........
http://www.drf.com/news/article/89315.html

Why does this matter? Isn't NYRA getting the contract a foregone conclusion?

It is clear that Empire should be out because, in essence, Mary Lou Whitney says they should be out. To me she carries a lot more credibility than Joe Bruno or any of the politicians for that matter.

not much of an empire anymore.

I didn't see any major effort at all made by Empire to push to win the franchise during the time I was in Saratoga.

Of the 3 bidding to unseat the incumbents it was all Capital Play

I have tried to understand what's happening in NY racing, tried to read the background and follow the politics, and I give up!

Empire is toast.