Bardis Puts His Part of Los Alamitos Up for Sale

The California harness racing industry, which in the past year experienced a bit of a revitalization, may be in trouble again. Chris Bardis, who owns 25% of Los Alamitos Race Course, has put his part of the track up for sale and appears ready to give up the business.

Bardis, citing different priorities and wanting to spend more time with his family, sent letters to his partner, Lloyd Arnold, and the Western Standardbred Assn., announcing his intentions.

Arnold, who also owns 25% of Los Alamitos, said: “This is not good news and I would definitely have to rethink my position in harness racing.”

Bardis, who was on a camping trip and could not be reached for comment, would like to sell to harness racing interests, but there aren’t any obvious takers.

The most likely possible buyer is Ed Allred, who owns the remaining 50% of the track. However, Allred is only interested in quarter horse racing. “(If I were to buy that percentage), I would prefer to run just quarters,” Allred said. “I would make it available to harness racing but there may not be anyone interested in running anything.”

Bardis and Arnold have been the driving forces in California harness racing, often taking huge losses to keep the sport alive. If Bardis were to leave the sport, it would place an even larger financial burden on Arnold, one he might not want to assume.

“I just don’t want that big a responsibility,” Arnold said.