The pandemic deprived the industry of $5 billion and its popularity seemingly dipped. Horse racing in the United States has taken some hits over the years, with many race tracks forced to shut down. The casino and racetrack was sold only 17 years after it was originally purchased in 2000. In 2017, the Rickman family divested its Ocean Downs in Berlin, Maryland. The family was interested to divest its stake in racetracks, it seemed, to refocus its efforts on real estate.

Negotiations between Clairvest and the Rickmans have been ongoing since 2020, with Fasy directly involved in the talks it seems. passed the reins over to William Rickman Jr., his son. After 10 years of running the business, Rickman Sr. managed to establish the Delaware Park as a pivotal venue on the horse racing calendar.īuilt in 1870, the venue has a big historic significance. While competition from neighboring tracks was an issue, Rickman Sr. He snaffled up the Delaware Park and helped shape it as a landmark in horse racing in the state, a status it already arguably had. came to the property’s rescue in 1983 when he was 63 years old. The Racetrack History and Rickman Connection Meanwhile, the White Clay Creek Country Club that is located next to the race track will still be controlled by the Rickmans. Delaware Park should change ownership officially by the end of the year, and the property will be the 30th racetrack or casino venue that Clairvest has made a move on, whether through a direct buy-out or a stake.īefore the deal can be settled, regulators would need to approve it. While the deal has been confirmed, details about it have been scant.ĭelaware Park president Bill Fasy said that there were no immediate changes in day-to-day operations expected, but denied to comment on the sale price. So far, Benninger has stakes in several gaming companies and casinos and he sits on the board of directors at Caesars Entertainment Corp. Rubico is a new subsidiary run by investor Thomas Benninger who has been growing his footprint in the gaming and entertainment sector. The new owners, Clairvest Group Inc and Rubico Gaming LLC revealed the purchase on Friday, rounding up the week on a positive note. The Delaware Park is changing ownership after 38 years under the control of the Rickman family who saved it from financial ruin.

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