Lone Star Park Expecting a Big Triple Crown Spike in Business

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Triple Crown (Photo credit: RedDogFever)

WITH THE TRIPLE CROWN ON THE LINE BELMONT STAKES A SURE BET TO BOOST BUSINESS AT LONE STAR PARK

I’ll Have Another’s Thrilling Stretch Run Style and Unique Name Have Captivated the Nation

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (Thursday, May 31, 2012) – For the first time since Big Brown was on the Triple Crown trail in 2008, horse racing is getting a much-needed boost with the possibility of I’ll Have Another becoming the first horse in 34 years to accomplish the elusive feat. And with two exciting come-from-behind victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, he has sparked re-interest not only in casual fans, but National and international media as well.

“Having a horse heading into the Belmont with the historic opportunity of doing what only 11 horses have done in over 100 years and none since 1978 is an opportunity all racetracks cherish,” said Lone Star Park’s Vice President and Assistant General Manager, G.W. Hail.

Attendance records were set this year at both Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby and at Pimlico for The Preakness Stakes. Lone Star Park recorded its highest Derby Day attendance since Big Brown’s 2008 win, plus a 6% increase in handle. The trend continued for The Preakness Stakes, with gains in attendance the highest in eight years, since 2004. Lone Star along with Thoroughbred tracks around the globe hope to capitalize on the national attention and the certain boost to attendance and handle that comes with it.

“The difference on-track is 5,000 to 10,000 customers and an additional $2 million plus in wagering dollars,” added Hail.

Lone Star Park has worked closely with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association to develop customized television, radio, newspaper and online creative that will appear in Dallas/Fort Worth to take advantage of this historic opportunity.

Social media has also helped promote the sport substantially. On Twitter, top horse racing events have dominated the trending, both nationally and internationally.

“The Triple Crown is the highest awareness horse racing receives all year,” said Keith Chamblin of the NTRA. “Combine that with a Triple Crown possibility in the Belmont, a horse with a running style like I’ll Have Another and his unique name, and you have lighting in a bottle for the horse racing industry.”

Through these multiple marketing efforts, horse racing as a sport, is showing improvements. And if fans were asked what they would like to see happen since Affirmed was crowned Triple Crown Champion all of those years ago, they would likely say, “I’ll have another.”

Belmont Stakes Day Activities at Lone Star Park Saturday, June 9, 2012

Join Lone Star Park and see if I’ll Have Another will make history as he tries to take the third and final jewel in this year’s Triple Crown.

WHAT: The 144th running of the Belmont Stakes takes place on Saturday, June 9, 2012. Watch, wager and win on the live races at Lone Star Park and catch the simulcast on the JumboTron.

Enjoy live music by Russ Lowry and The Expressions on the Courtyard of Champions Stage from

1:00 – 5:00 p.m. The Grandstand Gates open at 11:30 a.m., the first live race begins at 1:35 p.m. and approximate post time for the Belmont Stakes is 5:40 pm CDT. Advance wagering will be available on the Belmont Stakes all day Friday, June 8. Drive-thru wagering is available Saturday at Gate 2 from 8:00 a.m. until post time of the Belmont Stakes.

WHEN: Saturday, June 9

11:30 a.m. – Grandstand Gates Open

1:35 p.m. – Live Racing begins

5:40 p.m. – Belmont Stakes approximate post time CDT

WHERE: Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie

1000 Lone Star Parkway Grand Prairie, TX 75050

972-263-RACE (7223)

Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, a Class I racetrack operated by Global Gaming Solutions LLC, offers a 53-day 2012 Spring Thoroughbred Season which opens Thursday, April 12 and concludes on Sunday, July 8. Live racing will be held four days a week, Thursday and Friday at 6:35 p.m.

(except Thursday, May 31 and Thursday, July 5 when there will be no live racing), and Saturday and Sunday at 1:35 p.m. The racing program on

Memorial Day, May 28, will start at 1:35 p.m. Special twilight programs will be held at 5 p.m. on both Tuesday, July 3 (with post-race concert by award-winning country artist Pat Green) and Wednesday, July 4 (with the Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration).

The track’s 26-day, 2012 Fall Meeting of Champions for American Quarter Horses will be held from Sept. 14 to Nov. 10.

Lone Star Park is also home to the multi-million dollar simulcast racebook, sports bar and event venue, Bar & Book. The 36,000 square foot venue is open to the public 363 days a year.

For more information on Lone Star Park visit LoneStarPark.com

Global Gaming Solutions, LLC (GGS), is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation with a primary business focus of pursuing entertainment, gaming and racing related opportunities in emerging jurisdictions in the United States and overseas as well as acquisition of regional gaming and entertainment assets. GGS LLC is the parent company of GG RP, which owns Remington Park in Oklahoma City, OK and GG LSP. Global Gaming Solutions, LLC, is the track operator who owns the license to operate Lone Star Park and leases the property from the Grand Prairie Sports Facilities Development Corporation.