Business boomed and competition improved in 1996 when legislation was passed to allow slot machines.

Rickman revived the business by offering smaller purses, which attracted cheaper horses than in previous years. 'There is little hope that horses will ever race there again,' The News Journal wrote at the time. bought Delaware Park, the business had fallen so deep into financial ruin – The News Journal reported it lost $2 million in 1982 – the racetrack closed. Increased competition in the 1970s started placing a strain on the business. It opened as the only major track on the East Coast that raced in June with the exception of the Aqueduct in New York. designed Delaware Park and guided its construction through the 1930s to have a nearby place to race his thoroughbreds. Here's what to know Delaware Park history MORE TO READ: Delaware children ages 5-11 can now get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

'They felt this was the right time to sell,' Fasy said.įive years ago, the Rickmans also sold Ocean Downs, a Berlin, Maryland, casino and racetrack, which they purchased in 2000. in his mid-70s, the next generation of the family decided to sell and focus on the real estate business.Ī wall of screens shows horse races from around the country at Delaware Park. died in 2005.įasy said Clairvest approached the Rickman family about a year ago. He operated the business for 10 years before handing day-to-day operations to his son William Rickman Jr., who also carried on the family's construction and real estate business. At the time, the business was at the brink of extinction, facing stiff competition from neighboring racetracks. had a full career as a Maryland real estate developer before he purchased Delaware Park at age 63 in 1983. MORE TO READ: Delaware's first and only female governor, Ruth Ann Minner, dies at 86 The Rickman family The White Clay Creek Country Club, which sits adjacent to the racetrack, will remain under the control of the Rickman family, according to the press release. Benninger's group, Rubico, recently took ownership of the Louisiana Downs racetrack and casino.Ĭlairvest and Benninger did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Fasy declined to comment on the sale price.Īccording to the press release, the sale is expected to close before the end of the year.ĭelaware Park will be the 30th casino and racetrack Clairvest has invested in, Fasy said. Delaware Park President Bill Fasy said Friday he's unaware of any immediate operational changes.

Delaware park casino careers