Brett Intrigued By Leasing Playfair, But Fears Persist

The president of the baseball Spokane Indians and hockey Chiefs says he’s intrigued at the opportunity of leasing Playfair Race Course. But Bobby Brett said his interest is outweighed by his concerns.

Brett met this week with outgoing Playfair president Stan Horton and general manager Dan Hillyard.

“There are so many uncertainties right now,” Brett said. “They need somebody to step in right now. I can’t do that - right now - but I am going to ask them to keep me informed. I want to keep an eye on how it plays out.”

Brett wouldn’t rule out his organization’s involvement in horse racing at a later date.

Playfair is owned by Spokane businessman Jack Pring, who has leased out the 65-acre facility over the last seven years. Playfair Racing Inc., headed by Horton, is the second group to tackle and abandon the challenge.

Pring said he talked with Brett and Horton this week. “All I did was get them together,” Pring said Thursday. “Hopefully something good will come out of it. At this point, all I can do is hope for the best.”

An issue in 1996 is the June 20 opening of Emerald Downs in Auburn. The new track will stay open into November, forcing Playfair to carry its season into late December, with only 27 days of statewide simulcasting.

Horton’s group decided to step down with a year left on the lease.

, DataTimes