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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

Commission File No. 000-30578

MAGNA ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Yes ý    No o

As of June 30, 2004, the aggregate market value of the Class A Subordinate Voting Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $232,886,782 (based on the closing sale price of $5.90 per share of Class A Subordinate Voting Stock reported on The Nasdaq National Market on June 30, 2004, the last day of the registrant's most recently completed second quarter). As of June 30, 2004, non-affiliates held no shares of Class B Stock. There is no active market for such stock.

The number of shares of Class A Subordinate Voting Stock of the registrant outstanding as of March 9, 2005 was 48,878,796.

The number of shares of Class B Stock of the registrant outstanding as of March 9, 2005 was 58,466,056.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the registrant's proxy statement (our "Proxy Statement") to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the registrant's fiscal year end of December 31, 2004 are incorporated by reference in Part II, Item 5 and Part III of this Annual Report to the extent stated herein. The section entitled "Description of Debt Securities" in the prospectus included in the registrant's registration statement on Form S-3 (File number 333-107368), filed with the SEC on July 25, 2003 (and as amended on Form S-3/A on September 26 and September 30, 2003), is incorporated by reference into Part II, Item 5 of this Annual Report. Except with respect to information specifically incorporated by reference in this Annual Report, the documents incorporated by reference are not deemed to be filed as part hereof.

INDEX

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Part I
Item 1.    Business

Available Information

        The registrant files Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Current Reports on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy any materials the registrant files with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the Commission's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the hours of operation of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Public Reference Room by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission.

        The registrant maintains a website that contains information about the registrant, none of which is incorporated by reference in, or shall be deemed included in, this Annual Report. It is accessible at www.magnaentertainment.com. Through the registrant's website, stockholders and the general public may access free of charge (other than any connection charges from internet service providers) filings the registrant makes with the SEC as soon as reasonably practicable after filing. Filing accessibility in this manner includes this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. Information contained in or otherwise accessed through the registrant's website does not form part of this Annual Report. All such references to the registrant's website are inactive textual references only.

        In this Annual Report, when we use the terms "we", "us", "our", "MEC" and the "Company", we are referring to Magna Entertainment Corp. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. In this Annual Report, unless stated otherwise, all references to "$" are to U.S. dollars and all references to "Cdn. $" are to Canadian dollars.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

        This Annual Report, including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Position" in Item 7, contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding: our strategies and plans; expectations as to financing and liquidity requirements and arrangements; expectations as to operational improvements; expectations as to cost savings, revenue growth and earnings; the time by which certain objectives will be achieved; estimates of costs relating to environmental remediation and restoration; proposed new racetracks or other developments, products and services; expectations as to the timing and receipt of government approvals and regulatory changes in gaming and other racing laws and regulations; expectations that claims, lawsuits, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, labor negotiations or agreements, or other matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, operating results, prospects or liquidity; projections, predictions, expectations, estimates or forecasts as to our financial and operating results and future economic performance; and other matters that are not historical facts.

        Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time and/or management's good faith belief with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements.

        Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed below under "Our Business — Risk Factors" and our subsequent public filings.

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        Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement was made. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking information to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements.

Incorporation and Corporate Structure

        We were incorporated on March 4, 1999 under the laws of the State of Delaware as MI Venture Inc. Our certificate of incorporation was amended by a certificate of amendment on August 30, 1999 to reclassify our Common Stock into Class A Common Stock and to add a new class of stock designated as Class C Common Stock. Our certificate of incorporation was further amended on November 4, 1999 to change our name to MI Entertainment Corp., add share provisions for our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock and Class B Stock, and reclassify and subdivide our issued and outstanding Class C Common Stock into Class B Stock. Our certificate of incorporation was further amended on January 26, 2000 to change our name to Magna Entertainment Corp. Our certificate of incorporation was further amended on February 29, 2000 to broaden our corporate purpose, clarify the attributes of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock and Class B Stock, and implement our Corporate Constitution. Subsequently, our certificate of incorporation was restated on March 1, 2000 to consolidate all prior amendments.

        Our registered office is located at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801 and our principal executive office is located at 337 Magna Drive, Aurora, Ontario, Canada L4G 7K1.

OUR BUSINESS

        We own and operate horse racetracks in California, Florida, Maryland, Texas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Oregon, Ontario, Canada and Ebreichsdorf, Austria. Based on revenues, we are North America's number one owner and operator of horse racetracks. Based on revenues, we are one of the world's leading suppliers, via simulcasting, of live racing content to the growing inter-track, off-track and account wagering markets. Throughout 2004, we operated or managed twelve thoroughbred racetracks, two standardbred (harness racing) racetracks, two racetracks that run both thoroughbred and standardbred meets and one greyhound racetrack, as well as the simulcast wagering venues at these tracks. Subsequent to December 31, 2004, we have ceased operations at one of our thoroughbred racetracks and at our only greyhound racetrack, which we operated in leased facilities under leases that were not renewed for 2005. In addition, we operate off-track betting ("OTB") facilities, a U.S. national account wagering business known as XpressBet®, which permits customers to place wagers by telephone and over the Internet on horse races at over 100 North American racetracks and internationally on races in Australia, South Africa and Dubai and a European-based account wagering business known as MagnaBet™. We also own and operate HorseRacing TV™ ("HRTV"™), a television network focused on horse racing that we initially launched on the Racetrack Television Network ("RTN"). We are in ongoing discussions with cable and satellite operators with the goal of achieving broader distribution for HRTV™. In July 2004, HRTV™ entered into a carriage agreement with the operator of the Dish Network™ that dramatically expanded HRTV™'s distribution throughout the United States. HRTV™ is currently distributed to more than 11 million cable and satellite TV subscribers. RTN, in which we have a minority interest, was formed to telecast races from our racetracks and other racetracks, via private direct-to-home satellite, to paying subscribers. In 2004, we launched RaceONTV™ in Europe to provide North American racing content from our racetracks and other U.S. racetracks that have agreed to participate in our international distribution network to locations outside North America. We also own a 30% equity interest in AmTote International, Inc., a provider of totalisator services to the pari-mutuel industry. To support certain of our thoroughbred racetracks, we own and operate thoroughbred training centers situated near San Diego, California, in Palm Beach County, Florida and in the Baltimore, Maryland area. We also own and operate production facilities in Austria and in North Carolina for StreuFex™, a straw-based horse bedding product.

        We distribute our live racing content to approximately 1,000 off-track and inter-track venues, including other racetracks, OTB facilities and casinos in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, Germany and Austria. We intend to expand the distribution of this content in these markets and, to the extent permitted by various regulatory regimes, in additional markets, particularly emerging electronic media-based markets, such as wagering via interactive television and the Internet.

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        Since December 1998, we have acquired six large racetrack operations in North America: Santa Anita Park near Los Angeles, Gulfstream Park near Miami, Golden Gate Fields near San Francisco, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie near Dallas, and The Maryland Jockey Club, which operates Laurel Park, situated between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, and Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, home of the Preakness Stakes®, the middle jewel in thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown. We have also acquired the racetrack operations of The Meadows near Pittsburgh, Thistledown near Cleveland, Remington Park in Oklahoma City, Great Lakes Downs in Muskegon, Michigan, Portland Meadows near Portland, Oregon and Flamboro Downs near Toronto, Canada. In April 2004, we opened our newest racetrack, Magna Racino™, which we built near Vienna, Austria, and features both standardbred and thoroughbred racing.

        These acquisitions have enabled us to secure the ownership rights to what we believe is some of the highest quality and most popular live horse racing content in North America, based on standard industry measures, such as total handle, average daily attendance and average daily wagering, both on and off-track. We believe that the aggregation of this high-quality content, combined with a strong branding strategy and the introduction of new media distribution technologies, will enhance the distribution of our content and help us develop new sources of revenues.

        We own all the land on which these racetracks are located, with the exception of Great Lakes Downs, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, Remington Park and Portland Meadows (in which we own a minority interest in the land).

        Until the end of 2004, we also operated the Bay Meadows thoroughbred racetrack near San Francisco and Multnomah Greyhound Park near Portland, Oregon under leases which expired at the end of 2004 and were not renewed.

        We have also applied for horse racing licenses in certain other jurisdictions, including the Detroit, Michigan area where we have proposed to develop a new racetrack, subject to regulatory and other approvals. In October 2003, a subsidiary of MI Developments Inc., purchased vacant land in Romulus, Michigan which may serve as the site of the proposed racetrack. MI Developments Inc. has granted us an option, exercisable at any time on or prior to June 30, 2005, to purchase the shares of its subsidiary, which holds the Romulus land. In addition, we are actively seeking a developer or strategic partner for the development of leisure and entertainment or retail-based real estate projects on the excess land surrounding, or adjacent to, certain of our premier racetracks.

        Initiatives related to the passage of legislation permitting alternative gaming at racetracks, such as slot machines, video lottery terminals ("VLTs") and other forms of non-pari-mutuel gaming, are actively underway in a number of states in which we operate. Alternative gaming legislation has passed in Pennyslvania and Oklahoma and there is a pending legislative initiative currently underway in Florida. In Pennsylvania, we intend to pursue a license to allow The Meadows to operate between 1,500 and 3,000 slot machines, subject to future expansion of up to 2,000 additional machines, as soon as practicable. In Oklahoma, new legislation was approved which will permit Remington Park to operate 650 electronic gaming machines, subject to increases of an additional 50 machines in each of the third and fifth years after the issuance of the applicable license. We intend to apply for the required license as soon as practicable. In Florida, Amendment 4 to the Florida State Constitution was approved, permitting the governing bodies of Broward and Miami-Dade counties to each hold a county-wide referendum on whether to authorize slot machines within existing, licensed pari-mutuel facilities that have conducted live racing during each of the last two years. A referendum was held in Broward County, where Gulfstream Park is located, on March 8, 2005. Based on preliminary unofficial results from the Broward County Supervisor of Elections announced on March 9, 2005, voters in Broward County have approved the referendum questions by majority vote, which means that slot machines are authorized at qualifying pari-mutuel facilities in Broward County, subject to the enactment of applicable legislation and licensing. Pursuant to Amendment 4, the state legislature is now required to adopt implementing legislation in the next regular legislative session, with an effective date no later than July 1, 2005.

        In addition to our racetracks, we own a significant real estate portfolio, which includes two golf courses and related recreational facilities as well as three residential developments in various stages of development in Austria, the United States and Canada. We are also working with potential developers and strategic partners for the development of leisure and entertainment or retail-based real estate projects on the excess land surrounding, or adjacent to, certain of our premier racetracks. We have entered into a predevelopment management agreement with Forest City Enterprises, Inc. concerning the proposed development of "The Village at Gulfstream Park™". Please see "Our Properties — Gulfstream Park". We have also entered into a letter of intent with Caruso Affiliate Holdings to explore the possibility of joint ventures to develop certain undeveloped lands surrounding our Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields racetracks into retail and entertainment venues. Please see "Our Properties — Santa Anita Park" and "Our Properties — Golden Gate Fields".

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        Please see our financial statements beginning on page 82 for financial information concerning our business and segments, including a geographic breakdown of revenues and information concerning long-lived assets.

Our Strategy

        Since our inception in 1998, we have experienced significant growth through a strategic acquisition program. We intend to grow and develop our business further by:

Continuing to Integrate our Acquisitions by Employing "Best Practice" Improvements at our Racetracks

        Through our acquisitions, we own some of the largest and what we believe to be some of the highest-quality thoroughbred racetracks in North America, as measured in terms of total handle, average daily attendance and average daily wagering, both on and off-track. We believe that the increased scale and integration of our racetrack operations and related wagering operations will afford us the opportunity to both grow our revenues and achieve significant operational synergies through the implementation of best practices, cost reductions realized from economies of scale and increased efficiencies. We intend to improve the quality of the live racing experience for our customers and horsemen by upgrading and expanding our physical facilities, technology and business processes in order to attract more customers and the best available horses, trainers and jockeys. In furtherance of this strategy, we formed our Continuous Improvement Team, which since late 2003 has been evaluating and implementing best practices at our racetracks, resulting in significant cost savings and operating efficiencies.

Further Developing Our Off-Track and In-Home Simulcasting and Wagering Services

        We intend to continue our efforts to combine our racing content, and the racing content from racetracks not owned by us, and market this content to the in-home and off-track market. We believe that aggregating this content provides us significant leverage to generate increased revenues and economies of scale to utilize cost-effective delivery systems. We believe that packaging our product this way will increase the exposure of our racetracks as well as racetracks owned by others and expand our customer base. For the in-home market, we offer account wagering on over 100 North American racetracks via the Internet and by telephone through XpressBet®. Horse racing fans can also watch live racing contest from all over the United States on HorseRacing TV™, our specialty television network focused on horse racing that is distributed to more than 11 million cable and satellite television subscribers. We also operate a significant number of OTBs in various markets.

Entering New Markets

        We currently distribute our content to inter-track and off-track venues in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, Germany and Austria. In April 2004, we opened our newest racetrack, Magna Racino™, which features both thoroughbred and standardbred racing. We also launched MagnaBet™, our international account wagering service (currently operating in Austria, Great Britain and Germany) in 2004. RaceONTV™, our international simulcast distribution service, was also launched in 2004 and now offers North American racing content to customers in Austria, Germany and Peru. We believe that, subject to applicable regulation, significant opportunities exist to expand the distribution of our content through the further development of our international distribution network. We believe that we have a strong business plan for these services that has been augmented by the recent agreement with Churchill Downs, Inc. to offer combined MEC and Churchill Downs signals outside of North America.

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Obtaining Broader Distribution of HorseRacing TV™

        We believe that broad television distribution will help increase future interest in horse racing and attract additional wagering customers. At present, HorseRacing TV™ is carried on cable in 15 states and is available nationally on Dish Network™ as well as RTN. In an effort to broaden the audience, reach and appeal of horse racing and wagering thereon, we are pursuing carriage agreements with additional cable and satellite operators to achieve expanded distribution of HorseRacing TV™ in North America.

Improving the Quality of the Entertainment Experience and Facilities at Certain of Our Racetracks

        In order to increase our customer base, we intend to improve the quality of the entertainment experience at our racetracks by offering a variety of experiences with horseracing as the feature attraction. In pursuit of this strategy, we have begun and intend to continue to redevelop and modernize our facilities. In 2004, we commenced the redevelopment of Gulfstream Park, located just outside Miami, Florida. This redevelopment includes the construction of new wider and longer racing surfaces, which allow Gulfstream Park to run a longer live racing season and offer larger field sizes as well as a new grandstand/entertainment facility, each of which we expect to result in greater attendance and handle.

Adding Alternative Gaming, if Permitted, at Certain of Our Racetracks

        In order to broaden our market appeal and thereby increase attendance and revenues, we intend to pursue alternative gaming opportunities, where available. Alternative gaming legislation that authorizes slot machines, video lottery terminals (VLTs) or electronic gaming at certain designated locations has been approved in Oklahoma, where our Remington Park racetrack is located, and Pennsylvania, where our racetrack The Meadows is located. We intend to apply for licenses and build the necessary facilities to operate slot machines or electronic gaming at Remington Park and The Meadows as soon as practicable. Alternative gaming legislation is also being seriously considered in other states in which we operate pari-mutuel facilities and if such legislation is approved, we intend to apply for the applicable licenses and build the necessary facilities as soon as practicable.

Developing Our Significant Real Estate Assets

        We have a significant portfolio of high quality real estate located in densely populated urban markets. Included in this real estate portfolio is land adjacent to several of our racetracks, Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, Laurel Park and Magna Racino™. We are considering a variety of options with respect to this land, including entertainment and retail-based developments that could be undertaken in conjunction with business partners who could be expected to provide the necessary marketing and development expertise, as well as the necessary financing. In pursuit of this strategy, we have entered into a predevelopment management agreement with Forest City Enterprises, Inc. concerning the proposed development of a combined retail and entertainment development, featuring Gulfstream Park as its cornerstone entertainment feature. We have also entered into a letter of intent with Caruso Affiliate Holdings to explore the possibility of joint ventures to develop certain undeveloped lands surrounding our Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields racetracks into retail and entertainment venues.

Selectively Acquiring and Developing Additional Content

        We will selectively pursue the acquisition and development of strategically important, geographically diverse racetracks and content in order to increase our distribution of live racing content. We intend to simulcast this content to other pari-mutuel wagering venues and to increase both the number of days in the year and hours in the day that we offer wagering on live and simulcast races.

Our History

        Our original parent company, Magna International Inc., is one of the most diversified automotive parts suppliers in the world. In 1999, Magna International Inc. entered into a series of transactions in order to separate its non-automotive businesses from its automotive businesses.

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        We were incorporated in Delaware on March 4, 1999. In November 1999, Magna International Inc. completed a reorganization of its corporate structure, under which Magna International Inc.'s non-automotive businesses and certain real estate assets were transferred to us. As part of this reorganization, our capital structure was amended to establish two classes of stock: Class A Subordinate Voting Stock, with one vote per share, and Class B Stock, with 20 votes per share.

        On March 10, 2000, Magna International Inc. distributed to holders of its Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B shares, by way of a special dividend, approximately 15.7 million shares composed of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock and exchangeable shares of MEC Holdings (Canada) Inc. Each exchangeable share was exchangeable by the holder for one share of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock at any time. The purpose of these shares was to permit certain Canadian shareholders of Magna International Inc. that were subject to limitations on their holdings of shares of non-Canadian issuers to receive shares of a Canadian issuer in the special dividend by Magna International Inc. described above. On December 30, 2002, all remaining exchangeable shares of MEC Holdings (Canada) Inc., other than those already owned by us, were purchased by us in exchange for shares of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock on a one-for-one basis.

        On August 19, 2003, the shareholders of Magna International Inc. approved the spin off of its wholly-owned subsidiary, MI Developments Inc. As a result of the spin off transaction, MI Developments Inc. acquired Magna International Inc.'s controlling interest in MEC.

        MI Developments Inc. is a real estate operating company engaged in the ownership, development, management, leasing, acquisition and expansion of industrial and commercial real estate properties located in Canada, Europe, the United States and Mexico. Virtually all of MI Development Inc.'s income-producing properties are under long-term leases to Magna International Inc. and its subsidiaries.

        As of March 9, 2005, MI Developments Inc. owns, directly or indirectly, all of our outstanding Class B Stock and 4,362,328 shares of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock. As a result, MI Developments Inc. is able to exercise approximately 96% of the total voting power attached to all of our outstanding stock, and therefore is able to elect all of our directors and to control us. Each company has its own board of directors and management team, although we share the same Chairman. In addition, our Board of Directors has established a committee of independent directors to whom they have delegated the responsibility of reviewing any proposed related party transactions, including any proposed transactions between us and MI Developments Inc. or between us and our original parent company, Magna International Inc.

Overview of the Horse Racing Industry

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

        Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is a form of wagering in which wagers on horse races are aggregated in a commingled pool of wagers, called a mutuel pool, and the payoff to winning customers is determined by both the total dollar amount of wagers in the mutuel pool and the allocation of those dollars among the various kinds of bets. Unlike casino gaming, the customers bet against each other, and not against the operator, and therefore the operator bears no risk of loss with respect to any wagering conducted. The pari-mutuel operator retains a pre-determined percentage of the total amount wagered, called the takeout, on each event, regardless of the outcome of the wagering event, and the remaining balance of the mutuel pool is distributed to the winning customers. Of the percentage retained by the pari-mutuel operator, a portion is paid to the horse owners in the form of purses or winnings, which encourage the horse owners and their trainers to enter their horses in a track's races. Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is the largest form of pari-mutuel wagering, and it is currently authorized in over 40 states of the United States, all provinces of Canada and approximately 100 other countries around the world.

Recent History

        Over the past 20 years, live attendance at horse racetracks in the United States has declined substantially due to a number of factors, including the growth in off-track wagering; increased competition from other forms of gaming and leisure entertainment; the attrition of the racing industry's traditional customer base; the lack of, or deterioration in, the quality of live racing events at many racetracks; and the inability of racetrack operators to broaden the appeal of wagering on horse racing. Declines in live attendance have resulted in an overall decline in the amount of money wagered on-track on horse racing, which has exacerbated the problem of producing high-quality live wagering events and in developing entertaining racetrack facilities.

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        In the early 1990s, the introduction of off-track and inter-track wagering became more prevalent and reversed the decline in the total amount of dollars wagered on horse racing. The rise of off-track and inter-track wagering has resulted in an increase in total industry revenues, and the creation of larger pools of wagers on horse races at certain racetracks. This has more than offset the decline in live on-track wagering due to declining live attendance.

The Growth in Off-track and Inter-track Wagering

        Pari-mutuel wagering on thoroughbred horse racing in the United States increased from $9.9 billion in 1994 to $15.1 billion in 2004, according to The Jockey Club. This increase resulted primarily from the growth of off-track and inter-track wagering, which has grown by approximately 52% from $8.7 billion in 1996 to $13.2 billion in 2004. Simulcasting live racing events to off-track and inter-track venues has been facilitated by technological advances and the introduction of legislative changes.

U.S. Thoroughbred Pari-Mutuel Wagering Handle (in Billions)

*

Not available

Source: Equibase Company LLC; The Jockey Club.

        Simulcasting is the process of transmitting the audio and video signal of a live racing performance, referred to as the content, from one facility to other locations or venues where wagering on such content is permitted. Simulcasting provides racetracks with the opportunity to increase revenues by exporting their live racing content to as many wagering locations as possible, such as other racetracks, OTB facilities and casinos, and by importing racing content from other racetracks.

        Revenues are increased because simulcasting provides racetracks that export their live content with additional customers in multiple locations who would not have otherwise been able to place wagers on the live racing event. Similarly, simulcasting provides operators of wagering venues who import content from other racetracks with more product upon which their customers can place wagers. Providers of live racing content who export their content to other venues generally charge these venues a percentage of all monies wagered on their content, while operators of pari-mutuel wagering venues that import racing content retain a pre-determined percentage of all amounts wagered at their facility on the imported content. Because the competition for time slots is relatively intense, the growth of simulcasting has been particularly beneficial to the operators of premier racetracks, which tend to offer higher quality racing, with larger fields and higher purses. Conversely, operators of smaller or lesser quality racetracks have historically benefited less from export simulcasting of their content, due to a lack of demand for their content. Part of our strategy involves efforts to broaden the distribution of, and demand for, the racing content from our smaller tracks.

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        We expect that off-track and inter-track wagering will experience continued growth as additional venues able to import simulcast content are established and new distribution channels for pari-mutuel wagering, such as the telephone, Internet and interactive television, are further developed.

        Because of the high quality of our thoroughbred racing content and racetrack properties, we believe we are well positioned to participate in the future growth of off-track, inter-track and account wagering as both a leading exporter and importer of live racing content.

Our Content

        Our racetracks are geographically diversified. Santa Anita Park is near Los Angeles, Gulfstream Park is near Miami, Golden Gate Fields is near San Francisco, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie is near Dallas, Pimlico Race Course is in Baltimore, Laurel Park is between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, The Meadows is near Pittsburgh, Thistledown is near Cleveland, Remington Park is in Oklahoma City, Flamboro Downs is near Toronto, Canada, Great Lakes Downs is in Muskegon, Michigan, and Portland Meadows and is near Portland, Oregon. Colonial Downs, whose racing operations we manage, is in New Kent, Virginia. Maroñas, a racetrack to which we provide management services, is in Montevideo, Uruguay. Our newest racetrack, Magna Racino™, is located near Vienna, Austria.

2005 Racing Schedule

        As illustrated in the chart below, live racing is offered throughout the year at our racetracks. The racing dates for Santa Anita Park indicated below include The Oak Tree Meet.

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*

Owned by a third party; the racing and pari-mutuel operations of Colonial Downs are managed by The Maryland Jockey Club.

Our Properties

        Set forth below is a description of certain of our properties.

Santa Anita Park

        Santa Anita Park is situated on approximately 305 acres of land in the City of Arcadia, California, approximately 14 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Approximately 10.9 million people are located within a 30-mile radius of Santa Anita Park.

        Santa Anita Park opened for thoroughbred horse racing in 1934 and hosts The Santa Anita Meet. The Santa Anita Meet generally commences on December 26 and runs until mid-April each year. In addition, we lease Santa Anita Park to The Oak Tree Racing Association, which is an unaffiliated not-for-profit California association that holds a license to host The Oak Tree Meet for five to six weeks each fall. Pursuant to this lease, we receive rent that consists primarily of a percentage of the on-track handle wagered on races run at Santa Anita Park and a percentage of The Oak Tree Racing Association net commissions from fees earned on racing content, exported from or imported to Santa Anita Park. Santa Anita Park was the site of the Breeders' Cup™ World Thoroughbred Championships in 2003 during The Oak Tree Meet. Santa Anita Park has one of the longest racing schedules of the top North American racetracks, totaling approximately 110 to 115 racing days each year (including The Oak Tree Meet). Average daily attendance in 2004 was approximately 9,000 customers per live racing day, representing one of the highest average daily attendance figures of all North American racetracks.

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        Santa Anita Park had one of the highest total handles, or total amounts wagered, of all North American racetracks in 2004, approximately $1.253 billion, including wagers made at Santa Anita Park on its races (including The Oak Tree Meet), wagers made at other wagering venues and through various account wagering operations on Santa Anita Park's races (excluding wagers placed in Northern California and via account wagering systems licensed to operate in California), and wagers made at Santa Anita Park and its inter-track facilities on imported races. Wagers on Santa Anita Park's races (including The Oak Tree Meet and all venues at which wagers were placed) totaled approximately $851.8 million in 2004. Of this amount, approximately $693.7 million in wagers were placed at other wagering venues to which we exported Santa Anita Park's races via simulcast and through various account wagering operations. Santa Anita Park exports its simulcast signal to approximately 1,000 off-track and inter-track wagering facilities in 23 countries. Throughout the year, Santa Anita Park operates as an inter-track wagering facility where customers can wager on races that are imported to Santa Anita Park from other racetracks.

        Santa Anita Park's facilities include a large art deco-style grandstand structure with seating for approximately 19,000 customers, as well as standing room for additional customers, a one-mile oval dirt track as well as a ⁷/8-mile turf course, stalls for approximately 2,000 horses and parking facilities sufficient to accommodate approximately 17,000 cars.

        In December 1999, we completed a $45.0 million capital renovation program at Santa Anita Park, which included the development of a new 750-seat high-end restaurant, the installation of a 2,120 square foot LED screen in the infield track area for racing customers and other upgrades to the grandstand, the track and other areas of the facility.

        In January 2004, we completed certain renovation and improvement projects that included the opening of Sirona's™, a 25,000 square foot sports bar and restaurant located across from the walking ring. Sirona's™ will operate year-round from an open-air terrace overlooking a seven acre garden paddock. After-race activities feature a weekly musical concert from its garden stage. Other enhancements include two new customer convenient food service facilities in our front garden, eight high definition video projection systems in our major betting halls, two LED screens flanking our walking ring, and the extensive landscaping and lighting of our main entry and south parking lot.

        We are considering a variety of retail-based development proposals for our excess real estate at Santa Anita Park. This development would be intended to further enhance the entertainment experience at Santa Anita Park, broaden the demographic composition of our customer base and strengthen the loyalty of existing customers. These proposals are preliminary. If, after a detailed review, we decide to proceed with such proposals or alternative proposals, additional time would be required to obtain or finalize the necessary regulatory approvals and negotiate with potential business partners who could be expected to provide marketing and development expertise and the necessary financing.

        In April 2004, we signed a letter of intent to explore the possibility of joint ventures between Caruso Affiliate Holdings and various MEC affiliates to develop certain undeveloped lands surrounding Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields. We are continuing to explore these developmental opportunities but we have not yet entered into definitive agreements regarding either of these potential developments. Please see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — 2004 Developments and Initiatives."

Gulfstream Park

        Gulfstream Park is located on approximately 255 acres of land in the cities of Hallandale and Aventura, between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale in Florida. There are approximately 4.3 million people living within a 40-mile radius of Gulfstream Park.

        Gulfstream Park opened in 1939 and for many years, ending in 2001, the annual meet at Gulfstream Park lasted for approximately 63 days between January and March. Beginning in 2002, Gulfstream Park was granted approval to run its meet for approximately 90 days between January and April. The Breeders' Cup™, one of the preeminent series of races in the United States, was held at Gulfstream Park in 1989, 1992 and 1999. Average daily attendance in 2004 was approximately 8,600 customers per live racing day.

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        In 2004, we initiated a redevelopment of Gulfstream Park, including new dirt and turf racetracks, a new grandstand and entertainment facility and new backstretch facilities. The redevelopment required us to demolish Gulfstream Park's existing grandstand, club house and racetracks. Under our current temporary structures we have seating under roof and air for approximately 2,400 patrons. Gulfstream Park currently has parking capacity for 8,000 cars and has stalls for 1,140 horses. We have just completed and opened the new dirt and turf racetracks in the fourth quarter of 2004, which feature a 1¹/8-mile main track and a one-mile turf course. We anticipate completing the new grandstand and entertainment facility and the backstretch facilities in time for our meet beginning in January 2006.

        Gulfstream Park had total handle during 2004 of approximately $823.3 million, which includes wagers made at Gulfstream Park on its races, wagers made on Gulfstream Park races at other wagering venues and through various account wagering operations, and wagers made at Gulfstream Park on races imported to its inter-track facility. Wagers on Gulfstream Park's races totaled approximately $710.6 million in 2004. Of this amount, approximately $622.5 million in wagers were placed at other wagering venues to which we exported Gulfstream Park's signal and through various account wagering operations.

        In April 2004, we entered into a predevelopment management agreement with Forest City Enterprises, Inc. concerning the proposed development of "The Village at Gulfstream Park™", an 80-acre, mixed-use retail, entertainment and residential project proposed to be built adjacent to Gulfstream Park. The proposed first phase of The Village at Gulfstream Park™ is a unique integration of a state-of-the-art lifestyle shopping and entertainment environment with Gulfstream Park that is expected to incorporate approximately 600,000 square feet of lifestyle retail shops, restaurants, cinema and entertainment facilities, including some of the most unique and sought-after national and local tenants. The proposed second phase of the Village at Gulfstream Park™ is to incorporate a unique residential village overlooking the picturesque Gulfstream Park racetrack, Florida's inner-coastal waterway and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Future phases also anticipate a hotel and commercial office space. Under the predevelopment management agreement, Forest City will manage the development of The Village at Gulfstream Park™, secure financing for the project and act as the property manager. Each of Forest City and MEC will hold a 50% interest in the joint venture, which will lease the land underlying the retail project on a long-term basis from MEC. Please see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — 2004 Development and Initiative".

Golden Gate Fields

        Golden Gate Fields is located on approximately 154 acres of land in the cities of Albany and Berkeley, California, approximately eight miles from Oakland and approximately 11 miles from San Francisco. There are approximately 5.2 million people within a 40-mile radius of Golden Gate Fields. In December 2003, we closed the sale of approximately 16 acres of excess real estate located at Golden Gate Fields, located on the Berkeley side of the property, to the East Bay Regional Park District (see "— Our Real Estate Portfolio").

        Golden Gate Fields' racing season lasts for approximately 103 racing days. The season runs in the fall through the end of January. From the end of December to the close of the season, Golden Gate Fields operates simultaneously with Santa Anita Park. Average daily attendance in 2004 was approximately 2,300 customers per live racing day.

        Golden Gate Fields had one the highest total handle of all North American racetracks in 2004, approximately $501.2 million, including wagers made at Golden Gate Fields on its races, wagers made at other wagering venues and through various account wagering systems on Golden Gate Fields' races (excluding wagers placed in Southern California, and wagers placed via advanced deposit wagering systems licensed to operate in California) and wagers made at Golden Gate Fields and its inter-track facilities on imported races. Wagers on Golden Gate Fields' races totaled approximately $289.7 million in 2004. Of this amount, approximately $261.1 million in wagers were placed at other wagering venues to which we exported Golden Gate Fields' races via simulcast and through various account wagering operations. Golden Gate Fields exports its simulcast signal to approximately 900 off-track and inter-track wagering facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Throughout the year, Golden Gate Fields operates as an inter-track wagering facility where customers can wager on races that are imported from other racetracks.

        Golden Gate Fields' facilities include a one-mile track and a ⁷/8-mile turf course, stalls for over 1,350 horses, a main grandstand with seating for approximately 8,000 customers, a Clubhouse with seating for approximately 4,500 customers, a Turf Club with seating for approximately 1,200 customers and parking for over 8,500 cars.

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        We are considering retail-based development proposals at Golden Gate Fields. This development would be intended to further enhance the entertainment experience at Golden Gate Fields, broaden the demographic composition of our customer base and strengthen the loyalty of our existing customers. These proposals are preliminary. If, after a detailed review, we decide to proceed with such proposals or alternative proposals, additional time would be required to obtain or finalize the necessary regulatory approvals and negotiate with potential business partners who could be expected to provide marketing and development expertise and the necessary financing.

        In April 2004, we signed a letter of intent to explore the possibility of joint ventures between Caruso Affiliate Holdings and various MEC affiliates to develop certain undeveloped lands surrounding Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields. We are continuing to explore these developmental opportunities but we have not yet entered into definitive agreements regarding either of these potential developments. Please see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — 2004 Developments and Initiatives."

Laurel Park

        On November 27, 2002, we acquired a controlling interest in The Maryland Jockey Club, which owns and operates Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, and manages Colonial Downs. Laurel Park, which first appeared on the racing scene in 1911, is located on approximately 236 acres of land in Laurel, Maryland, between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. There are approximately 6.6 million people living within a 40-mile radius of Laurel Park.

        Laurel Park's racing season in 2004 was 58 days compared to 142 racing days in 2003 due to the rebuilding of the racing surfaces at Laurel Park. Live thoroughbred racing is generally conducted at Laurel Park from the end of Pimlico's fall meet in early October to the end of March, when Pimlico opens for its spring meet. Historically racing then would resume at Laurel Park in late July for a four-week summer meet, but due to the rebuilding of the racing surfaces at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course continued racing live through the end of the year in 2004. Average daily attendance at Laurel Park in 2004 was approximately 3,000 customers per live racing day.

        Laurel Park's handle was approximately $281.5 million in 2004, including wagers made at Laurel Park on its races, wagers made at other wagering venues and through various account wagering operations on Laurel Park's races, and wagers made at Laurel Park on imported races. Wagers on Laurel Park's races totaled approximately $137.2 million in 2004. Of this amount, approximately $127.1 million in wagers were placed at other wagering venues to which we exported Laurel Park's signal via simulcast and through various account wagering operations.

        Laurel Park's facilities include a grandstand with seating for approximately 5,200 customers and a new 1¹/8-mile dirt track with a seven and one half-furlong chute which opened in January 2005. We are currently in the process of building a new ⁷/8-mile turf course at Laurel Park, which we anticipate will open in the third quarter of 2005. Laurel Park has stalls for approximately 1,000 horses and parking facilities sufficient to accommodate approximately 8,000 cars.

        We are considering a redevelopment of the entire stable area at Laurel Park. In the event this redevelopment project proceeds as currently contemplated, it will include the construction of new barns, dormitories and grooms' quarters. Please see "— Risk Factors — If we decide to proceed with redevelopment projects at any of our racetracks, we may need to write down the value of certain assets and will likely suffer a temporary disruption of our racing operations."

Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie

        On October 23, 2002, we acquired Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie ("Lone Star Park"), which operates thoroughbred and American quarter horse meets and is located on approximately 285 acres of land in the City of Grand Prairie, Texas, approximately 12 miles west of Dallas. There are approximately 5.1 million people living within a 40-mile radius of Lone Star Park.

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        Lone Star Park is one of the newest horse racing facilities in the United States, having opened for live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing in 1997. Lone Star Park's thoroughbred meet generally commences each year in early April and continues through mid-July. Its quarter horse meet generally commences each year in early October and continues through November; however, it was superseded in 2004 by a special thoroughbred meet which ran for 19 days in October, including the 2004 Breeders' Cup™ World Thoroughbred Championships on Saturday, October 30. Average daily attendance during the 2004 spring thoroughbred meet was approximately 8,400 customers per live race day and 7,400 customers (excluding Breeders' Cup) in the fall. In addition to its live racing facilities, Lone Star Park contains a state-of-the-art 36,000 square foot simulcast pavilion, which operates year-round.

        Lone Star Park had total handle during 2004 of approximately $360.8 million (excluding Breeders' Cup), which includes wagers made at Lone Star Park on its races, wagers made on Lone Star Park races at other wagering venues and through various account wagering operations, and wagers made at Lone Star Park on races imported to its inter-track facility. Wagers on Lone Star Park's races totaled approximately $180.6 million (excluding Breeders' Cup) in 2004. Of this amount, approximately $137.2 million in wagers were placed at other wagering venues to which we exported Lone Star Park's signal and through various account wagering operations.

        Lone Star Park's facilities include a grandstand with seating for approximately 10,000 customers, a one-mile dirt track, a ⁷/8-mile turf track, stalls for approximately 1,600 horses and parking facilities sufficient to accommodate approximately 10,000 cars. In addition to its grandstand, clubhouse and turf club seating, Lone Star Park has two floors of luxury suites. Lone Star Park's simulcast pavilion can also accommodate 2,110 customers.

        Lone Star Park was the site of the 2004 Breeders' Cup™ World Thoroughbred Championships, making it the youngest track in history to host this prestigious event. An overwhelming response from racing fans from around the world resulted in the fastest sellout in Breeders' Cup history with a total attendance of 53,717 on race day. Four major Breeders' Cup wagering records were established: $120,863,117 for all sources on the 12-race program; $109,838,668 for all sources on the eight Breeders' Cup races; $107,536,392 for total simulcast handle; and $16,401,762 for international simulcast handle.

        Lone Star Park is operated pursuant to a lease with a governmental entity associated with the City of Grand Prairie. The lease expires in 2027, at which time we will have an option to purchase the Lone Star Park real property at a purchase price equal to one-half of its then fair market value. Pursuant to the lease terms, if we exercise the option, we will receive credit against the purchase price in an amount equal to the sum of all rent payments made during the life of the lease discounted back to 1997 at a rate of 8% per annum.

Pimlico Race Course

        Historic Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness Stakes®, first opened its doors in 1870, making it the second oldest racetrack in the United States. Pimlico is situated on approximately 116 acres of land in Baltimore, approximately 30 miles from Laurel Park. There are approximately 5.2 million people living within a 40-mile radius of Pimlico.

        The Preakness Stakes® dates back to 1873, two years before the first Kentucky Derby was run. Since 1909, the Preakness Stakes® has been run annually at Pimlico without interruption and this year's race, on May 21, 2005, will mark the 130^th edition of this sporting classic. Past winners of the Preakness Stakes® include legendary race horses such as Man o' War, Citation, Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Affirmed.

        The racing season at Pimlico generally consists of approximately 70 racing days, its Spring meet, between early April and mid-June and a Fall meet in September. Historically, after its Spring meet, racing then would resume at Laurel Park in late July for a four-week summer meet, but due to the rebuilding of the racing surfaces at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course continued racing live through the end of the year in 2004. The Spring meet features 10 graded stakes races, including the middle jewel of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes®, which is run annually on the third Saturday of May. Average daily attendance in 2004 was approximately 3,000 customers per live racing day.

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        Pimlico's handle was approximately $432.1 million in 2004, including wagers made at Pimlico on its races, wagers made at other wagering venues and through various account wagering operations on Pimlico's races, and wagers made at Pimlico on imported races. Wagers on Pimlico's races totaled approximately $332.2 million in 2004. Of this amount, approximately $306.1 million in wagers were placed at other wagering venues to which its signal was exported via simulcast and through various account wagering operations.

        Pimlico's facilities include a grandstand with seating for approximately 13,000 customers, a one-mile dirt track with 1³/16-mile and ³/4-mile chutes, a ⁷/8-mile turf course, stalls for approximately 700 horses and parking facilities sufficient to accommodate approximately 3,500 cars.

The Meadows

        We acquired The Meadows racetrack, which was our first standardbred (harness racing) track, in April 2001. It is located in Meadow Lands, Pennsylvania, in the greater Pittsburgh area, on approximately 155 acres of land. There are approximately 2.8 million people living within a 50-mile radius of The Meadows.

        The Meadows first opened in 1963 and has a year-round racing schedule encompassing approximately 206 live racing days. As part of this acquisition, we also acquired four OTB facilities in the greater Pittsburgh area, located in New Castle, Harmar Township, Moon Township and West Mifflin. In 2004, The Meadows opened its fifth OTB in Greensburg.

        The Meadows' facilities include a grandstand with seating for approximately 5,000 customers, a ⁵/8-mile harness track, stalls for approximately 990 horses and parking facilities to accommodate approximately 3,000 cars. The Meadows' OTB facilities each contain a restaurant and bar and offer wagering on simulcast races from racetracks across the country.

        The Meadows and its associated OTB facilities generated approximately $238.0 million in handle in 2004, including wagers made at The Meadows on its races, wagers made at other wagering venues and through various account wagering operations on The Meadows' races, wagers made at The Meadows on races imported to its inter-track facilities and wagers made at The Meadows' associated OTB facilities. Wagers on The Meadows' races (including all venues at which the wagers were placed) totaled approximately $100.3 million in 2004. Of this amount, approximately $92.7 million in wagers were placed at other wagering venues to which we exported The Meadows' races via simulcast and through various account wagering operations. The Meadows exports its simulcast signal to approximately 240 off-track and inter-track wagering facilities in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Throughout the year, The Meadows operates as an inter-track wagering facility where customers can wager on races that are imported to The Meadows from other racetracks.

        In July 2004, legislation was enacted in Pennsylvania that entitles The Meadows to apply for a license to operate between 1,500 and 3,000 slot machines, subject to future expansion of up to 2,000 additional slot machines upon certain conditions being met. We intend to pursue a license to operate slot machines at The Meadows as soon a practicable. See "— Government Regulation — Alternative Gaming — Pennsylvania". In the event that we obtain a license to operate slot machines at The Meadows, we plan to redevelop certain facilities at The Meadows. In the event that this project proceeds as currently contemplated, it will include the construction of a new clubhouse/grandstand/slot facility and related site works. Please see "— Risk Factors — Redevelopment projects at our racetracks, may result in a write down of the value of certain assets and have caused and may continue to cause temporary disruptions of our racing operations."

Thistledown

        Thistledown is located on approximately 128 acres in North Randall, Ohio, approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown Cleveland. There are approximately 3.0 million people living within a 40-mile radius of Thistledown.

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        Thistledown has one of the longest racing seasons of all North American thoroughbred racetracks, consisting of approximately 188 racing days between March and December. Thistledown hosts the Summit, Thistledown, Randall and Cranwood meets. Annually, Thistledown hosts the Ohio Derby, which is the premier graded stakes race in Ohio.

        Thistledown's handle was approximately $224.7 million in 2004, including wagers made at Thistledown on its races, wagers made at other wagering venues and through various account wagering operations on Thistledown's races, and wagers made at Thistledown on races imported to its inter-track facilities. Wagers on Thistledown's races (including all venues at which wagers were placed) totaled approximately $134.5 million in 2004. Of this amount, approximately $109.3 million in wagers were placed at other wagering venues to which we exported Thistledown's races via simulcast and through various account wagering operations. Thistledown exports its simulcast signal to as many as 650 off-track and inter-track wagering facilities in the United States. Throughout the year, Thistledown operates as an inter-track wagering facility where customers can wager on races that are imported to Thistledown from other racetracks.

        Thistledown's facilities include a grandstand with seating for approximately 8,000 customers, a luxury suite for corporate and group events, a one-mile oval track, stalls for approximately 1,500 horses and parking for approximately 6,000 cars.

Flamboro Downs

        We acquired Flamboro Downs racetrack, our second standardbred track, in April 2003. Flamboro Downs is located in the greater Hamilton area, approximately 40 miles outside Toronto, Canada, on approximately 235 acres of land. There are approximately 3.5 million people living within a 40-mile radius of Flamboro Downs.

        Flamboro Downs first opened in April 1975, and is a year-round harness racing facility. Flamboro schedules approximately 260 live racing days per year, and is open 365 days of the year offering live harness racing and simulcasting on both thoroughbred and harness racing.

        The Flamboro Downs facility includes a grandstand with seating for approximately 2,400 people, the Top O' The Turn dining room (300 capacity), the Pavilion restaurant which seats approximately 220, parking for approximately 2,500 vehicles, a ¹/2 -mile racing track, a ¹/2 -mile training track and stalls for approximately 630 horses contained in eight barns.

        Flamboro Downs also currently operates four OTBs in its market area. All four OTB operations are housed within sports bars and entertainment facilities operated by third parties that offer food and beverage service.

        Flamboro Downs and its associated OTB facilities generated approximately $102.8 million in handle in 2004, including wagers made at Flamboro Downs on its live races, wagers made at other wagering venues and through various account wagering operations on Flamboro Downs live races, wagers made at Flamboro Downs on races imported to its inter-track facilities and wagers made at Flamboro Downs associated OTB facilities. Wagers on Flamboro Downs races (including all venues at which the wagers were placed) totaled approximately $65.8 million in 2004. Of this amount, approximately $59.2 million in wagers were placed at other wagering venues to which we exported Flamboro Downs' live races via simulcast and through various account wagering operations. Flamboro Downs exports its simulcast signal to approximately 210 off-track and inter-track wagering facilities in Canada and the United States. Flamboro Downs racetrack also operates as an inter-track wagering facility where customers can wager on races that are imported to Flamboro Downs from other racetracks.

        Flamboro Downs houses a gaming facility with 750 video lottery terminals, or VLTs, owned and operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation ("OLGC"). Pursuant to a prescribed lottery scheme site holder facilities agreement with the OLGC, Flamboro Downs retains 20% of the "net win" (VLT revenue minus payouts to VLT players), with one-half of that amount distributed to the horsemen's purses and the other half retained by the racetrack. The agreement with the OLGC has a five-year term that expires in October 2005. The agreement contemplates that it will be automatically renewed for an additional five years, unless terminated by the OLGC for material breach. Following the first renewal period, the OLGC may elect to renew the agreement for a second five-year extension. Following the initial term, the OLGC may terminate the agreement at any time (and without payment to Flamboro Downs) on 270 days' notice. There can be no assurance as to how long the arrangement with the OLGC will continue, or, if it does, whether the terms will remain the same.

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Remington Park

        Remington Park is situated on approximately 370 acres adjacent to Interstates 35 and 44 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. There are approximately 1.1 million people living within a 40-mile radius of Remington Park.

        In 2004, the racing schedule consisted of two meets totaling 93 days of live racing days, which included a 28 day quarter horse meet from mid-March through the end of May and a 65 day thoroughbred meet from early August through early December 2004. In 2005, Remington Park has been approved for 98 days of live racing, consisting of 32 days of quarter horse racing from mid-March through early June and a 66 day thoroughbred meet from early August through late November.

        Remington Park's handle was approximately $92.6 million in 2004, including wagers made at Remington Park on its races, wagers made at other wagering venues and through various account wagering operations on Remington Park's races, and wagers made at Remington Park on races imported to its inter-track and associated OTB facilities. Wagers on Remington Park's races (including all venues at which wagers were placed) totaled approximately $29.4 million in 2004. Of this amount, approximately $22.1 million in wagers were placed at other wagering venues to which we exported Remington Park's races via simulcast and through various account wagering operations. Remington Park exports its simulcast signal to approximately 280 off-track and inter-track wagering facilities in the United States. Throughout the year, Remington Park operates as an inter-track wagering facility where customers can wager on races that are imported to Remington Park from other racetracks across the country.

        Remington Park's facilities include a grandstand with seating for approximately 20,000 customers, 21 luxury suites for corporate and group events, a one-mile dirt track, a ⁷/8-mile turf course, stalls for approximately 1,300 horses, lighting to permit night racing and parking facilities sufficient to accommodate approximately 8,000 cars.

        The property on which Remington Park is located is leased from the Oklahoma Zoological Trust pursuant to a lease which extends through 2013, with options to renew until 2063 in ten-year increments.

        Under new legislation which was approved by the citizens of the State of Oklahoma in a referendum held on November 2, 2004, upon regulatory approval and licensing, Remington Park will be permitted to operate 650 electronic gaming machines, subject to increases of an additional 50 machines in each of the third and fifth years after the issuance of the applicable license. See " — Government Regulation — Alternative Gaming — Oklahoma."

Portland Meadows

        Portland Meadows is a thoroughbred racetrack located on approximately 100 acres in the Delta Park area of Portland, Oregon. There are approximately 2.0 million people living within a 40-mile radius of Portland Meadows. Portland Meadows first opened in 1946 and offers approximately 80 live racing days between October and April. Portland Meadows' facilities include a grandstand with seating for approximately 10,000 customers, a one-mile sand track, stalls for approximately 850 horses and parking facilities to accommodate approximately 2,500 cars.

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        Portland Meadows generated approximately $70.5 million in handle during its 2004 race meet, including wagers made at Portland Meadows on its races, wagers made at other wagering venues and through various account wagering operations on Portland Meadows' races and wagers on imported races at Portland Meadows and OTB facilities within the State of Oregon during Portland Meadows' live meet. Wagers on Portland Meadows' races (including all venues at which the wagers were placed) totaled approximately $21.3 million in 2004. Of this amount, approximately $18.8 million in wagers were placed at other wagering venues to which we exported Portland Meadows' races via simulcast and through various account wagering operations. Portland Meadows exports its simulcast signal to approximately 150 off-track and inter-track wagering facilities in the United States and Canada. Throughout the year, Portland Meadows operates as an inter-track wagering facility where customers can wager on races that are imported to Portland Meadows from other racetracks.

        We operate racing at Portland Meadows, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, pursuant to a long term lease. We own an approximately 22% interest in the real property upon which the Portland Meadows facility is located.

Great Lakes Downs

        Great Lakes Downs is situated on approximately 85 acres in Muskegon, Michigan, approximately 35 miles from Grand Rapids. There are approximately 1.2 million people living within a 50-mile radius of Great Lakes Downs.

        Great Lakes Downs, which commenced operations in January 1999, offers approximately 118 live racing days beginning in April and ending in October of each year.

        Great Lakes Downs' handle was approximately $55.7 million in 2004, including wagers made at Great Lakes Downs on its races, wagers made at other wagering venues and through various account wagering operations on Great Lakes Downs' races, and wagers made at Great Lakes Downs on imported races. Wagers on Great Lakes Downs' races (including all venues at which wagers were placed) totaled approximately $43.5 million in 2004. Of this amount, approximately $40.3 million in wagers were placed at other wagering venues to which we exported Great Lakes Downs' races via simulcast and through various account wagering operations. Great Lakes Downs exports its simulcast signal to approximately 250 off-track and inter-track wagering facilities in the United States. Throughout the year, Great Lakes Downs operates as an inter-track wagering facility where customers can wager on races that are imported to Great Lakes Downs from other racetracks.

        Great Lakes Downs' facilities include a grandstand with seating for approximately 10,000 customers, a ⁵/8-mile dirt track, stalls for approximately 800 horses and parking facilities sufficient to accommodate approximately 3,200 cars.

        On August 24, 2004, we sold the real property and associated racetrack license of Great Lakes Downs to Richmond Racing Co., LLC for approximately $4.2 million. The consideration included cash of $0.2 million and the issuance of a 20-year promissory note with a principal amount of $4.0 million, which bears interest at 5% per annum. We also entered into a lease agreement with Richmond Racing, which gives us the conditional right to continue operating Great Lakes Downs and to conduct thoroughbred race meetings at the racetrack. The lease is for an initial term of five years with an option to renew the lease for up to three additional periods of five years each. We also have an option to repurchase the property and associated racetrack license of Great Lakes Downs from Richmond Racing in the event we are unsuccessful in obtaining a racetrack license for the proposed Romulus racetrack or in the event that state law in Michigan is amended to allow an entity to hold more than one racetrack license.

Magna Racino™

        Our newest racetrack, Magna Racino™ opened on April 4, 2004 and is situated on approximately 650 acres in Ebreichsdorf, just outside Vienna, Austria. There are approximately 2.5 million people living within a 30-mile radius of Magna Racino™. Since its opening, Magna Racino™ has been visited by over 180,000 guests and held a meet consisting of 50 live racing days in 2004 between early April and early November. In 2005, Magna Racino™ has been approved for 45 days of live racing, between mid-March and late November.

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        Magna Racino™ features both thoroughbred and standardbred racing on three different tracks, a ⁵/8-mile sand track, a one-mile sand track and a one-mile turf course. Magna Racino's™ facilities include 113 paddocks, 600 stables, parking for approximately 2,400 cars, a grandstand that also houses a 150,000 square foot entertainment center, three restaurants, a simulcast center and a sportsbook/gaming facility that opened in September 2004. Magna Racino's™ sportsbook facility is operated by Admiral Sportwetten AG under an agreement that entitles Magna Racino™ to receive a percentage of all wagers placed with Admiral at Magna Racino™. Magna Racino's™ 150 video lottery terminals are operated by the Austrian Lottery, a division of Casinos Austria AG, under an agreement that entitles Magna Racino™ to receive a percentage of the gross profit and recovery of certain costs from the video lottery terminal operations located at Magna Racino™.

        Magna Racino's™ handle was approximately $4.1 million in 2004, its inaugural year, including wagers made at Magna Racino™ on its races, wagers made at other wagering venues and through account wagering operations on Magna Racino™ races and wagers made at Magna Racino™ on imported races. Magna Racino™ exports its simulcast signal to various off-track and inter-track wagering facilities in Germany and Austria. Throughout the year, Magna Racino™ operates as an inter-track wagering facility where customers can wager on races that are imported to Magna Racino™ from other racetracks around the world.

Colonial Downs

        The Maryland Jockey Club manages the racing and pari-mutuel operations of Colonial Downs and its network of six OTB facilities in Virginia. Colonial Downs is a racetrack in New Kent, Virginia which hosted 34 days of thoroughbred racing and 32 days of standardbred racing in 2004. The thoroughbred meet at Colonial Downs runs from mid-June to late July, between the meets at Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park. The standardbred meet runs from early October to late November. The track's signature race is the Virginia Derby (Gr. III), which is a 1¹/4-mile turf race for three-year-old horses that features a $500,000 purse.

Training Centers

Palm Meadows®

        On October 18, 2000, we acquired 481 acres of land in Palm Beach County, Florida for a total purchase price of $22.9 million. The property is located approximately 40 miles north of Gulfstream Park. We have developed a horse boarding and training center on this land, which is operated in conjunction with Gulfstream Park, which we believe will help us to continue to attract high-quality horses to Gulfstream Park and to expand our field sizes at that racetrack. We believe that this in turn will allow us to increase both our number of live races and the total amount wagered on our races.

        The facility currently includes a 1¹/8-mile dirt track, a one-mile turf course, stalls for up to 1,440 horses, administrative offices, dormitories and a viewing stand. The facility opened in November 2002 and is currently home to over 1,200 horses for Gulfstream's 2005 meet.

        Construction began in October 2003 on a 60,000 square foot compost building that was completed in October 2004. We also applied for, and obtained a permit from Palm Beach County to develop an equestrian estate residential development on approximately 157 acres of our property situated adjacent to the training facility, with access to the training facility. As of December 31, 2004, we have spent approximately $84.9 million on the development of the training center and the infrastructure for the residential development, in addition to the initial purchase price of the land.

San Luis Rey Downs

        San Luis Rey Downs is a horse boarding and training center situated approximately 45 miles north of downtown San Diego. It is located on approximately 200 acres of land and includes over 500 horse stalls, a one-mile oval dirt main track, a ³/8-mile dirt training track, an equine exercise pool, horse trails and related facilities and equipment. Due to its proximity to Santa Anita Park, San Luis Rey Downs supplements Santa Anita Park's stabling facilities, which we believe enables us to continue to attract some of the top horses in North America.

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Bowie Training Center

        The Bowie Training Center is located in Prince George's County, Maryland on approximately 162 acres. The site is located eight miles from Laurel Park and 30 miles from Pimlico Race Course. The facility includes approximately 1,000 stalls, a one-mile oval dirt main track, a ¹/4-mile covered dirt track, 17 barns and dormitories capable of accommodating up to 224 grooms. Originally opened in 1914 as a racetrack, the property has been used since 1985 as a year-round training center to support thoroughbred racing at Pimlico and Laurel Park.

Account Wagering Operations

        Account wagering involves the placing of wagers on live horse racing events through various forms of electronic media, which could include telephone, the Internet and interactive television.

XpressBet®

        We offer advance deposit account wagering by telephone and over the Internet through XpressBet®, to customers in certain jurisdictions of the United States, subject to legal and governmental restrictions. See "— Government Regulation". Operators of advance deposit account wagering businesses may establish a hub in a state where advance deposit account wagering is expressly permitted, establish accounts into which customers deposit funds through debit or credit cards or by check to fund their wagering, and receive wagering instructions from these customers. Wagers placed by customers are not allowed to exceed the amounts on deposit in their accounts. Customers of XpressBet® may place wagers either over the telephone with a live teller, over the telephone with an automated teller, over the telephone with a touch tone recognition system or through the Internet.

        XpressBet® originally operated under the trade name Call-A-Bet under The Meadows harness track license in Pennsylvania. Call-A-Bet launched a telephone account wagering business in 1983 for Pennsylvania account holders. In 1995, Call-A-Bet expanded its customer base throughout the United States. We purchased Ladbroke Racing Pennsylvania, Inc., which included The Meadows and Call-A-Bet, in April 2001 and upon obtaining a license to conduct advance deposit account wagering in California in January 2002, re-branded the account wagering company as XpressBet®. XpressBet® is currently licensed in Pennsylvania and California, where its operations are located, to receive advance deposit account wagers from residents in those states and other jurisdictions that permit account wagering. In addition, XpressBet® has received licenses in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. See "— Government Regulation".

        Wagering through an XpressBet® account is only permitted after XpressBet® has verified the account holder's identity, address and age and the account has been funded. XpressBet® account holders can wager on over 100 North American racetracks and internationally on races in Australia, South Africa and Dubai. The XpressBet® service provides up-to-the-minute racing information, including live odds and results, race program information, real-time audio and video streaming and an easy-to-use betting screen.

        The primary source of revenue for XpressBet® is the takeout on the handle wagered by its customers through advance deposit accounts. The takeout revenue is reduced by host track fees, purse account funds, source market fees and other operating expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2004, total handle wagered through XpressBet® was $132.3 million.

MagnaBet™

        MagnaBet™ offers advance deposit account wagering over the Internet and via mobile communications devices, to customers in Austria and Germany. MagnaBet™ holds licenses issued by the provincial government of Lower Austria and the provincial government of Hanover, Germany, which allow it to accept and process pari-mutuel wagers. Customers deposit funds through credit cards, prepaid cards, bank transfers and internet-banking to fund their wagering accounts, and receive wagering instructions from these customers. Wagers placed by customers are not allowed to exceed the amounts on deposit in their accounts. Customers of MagnaBet™ may place wagers either through the Internet or mobile devices.

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        MagnaBet™ was launched in Austria in September 2004, where its operations are located, and in Germany in December 2004. Wagering through a MagnaBet™ account is only permitted after MagnaBet™ has verified the account holder's identity, address and age and the account has been funded. MagnaBet™ account holders can wager on thoroughbred and harness races at Magna Racino™, on races at Krieau, an Austrian standardbred racetrack, opened in 1878 and internationally on over 27 North American thoroughbred and standardbred racetracks. The MagnaBet™ service provides up-to-the-minute racing information, including live odds and results, race program and past performance information, real-time audio and video streaming and an easy-to-use betting screen.

        The primary source of revenue for MagnaBet™ is the takeout on the handle wagered by its customers through advance deposit accounts. The takeout revenue is reduced by host track fees, totalisator service fees, taxes and other operating expenses.

Sunshine Millions®

        On January 25, 2003, we launched Sunshine Millions®, a thoroughbred horse racing event which features California breds and Florida breds in head to head competition. The annual event, which is hosted by Santa Anita Park and Gulfstream Park, consists of eight races, four races at Santa Anita Park and four races at Gulfstream Park, with purses ranging from $250,000 to $1 million per race, for a total of $3.6 million in guaranteed purses.

        Florida breds won five out of eight races when they competed head to head against California breds during the third edition of the Sunshine Millions® held on January 29, 2005. This event was covered on a national two-hour NBC broadcast. Overnight ratings for the two-hour broadcast secured a four percent share of all televisions in use. All sources handle for Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park, together with on-site handle, topped $31 million for the 2005 edition of the Sunshine Millions®.

Television Distribution

        We believe that broad television distribution will help increase future interest in the sport of horse racing and attract additional wagering customers. In order to accomplish this goal, we have entered into a number of television distribution initiatives.

HorseRacing TV™

        HorseRacing TV™ is a television network focused on horse racing. HorseRacing TV™ carries horse racing from racetracks located throughout North America as well as commentary and related content, combined into a single signal produced by Santa Anita Park's award-winning television department. In January 2003, we launched HorseRacing TV™ on our first cable television system (Time Warner San Diego) and we have quickly grown the network's distribution to over 11 million cable and satellite subscribers nationally. HorseRacing TV™ has entered into a national distribution agreement with Dish Network™ (Echostar Communications Corp.) that makes HRTV available in all 50 U.S. states. Additionally, HorseRacing TV™ has entered into agreements with certain national/regional cable television operators, including Comcast, to make HorseRacing TV™ available via cable distribution in 15 states. HorseRacing TV™ is also available on RTN (see below).

        We will continue to seek broad distribution of HorseRacing TV™ through additional distribution agreements with other cable and satellite television systems.

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RTN

        In 2002, we entered into an arrangement with Roberts Communications Network, Inc. and an affiliate of Greenwood Racing, Inc. to form RTN, a private U.S. direct-to-home satellite service that currently offers twenty channels dedicated to horse racing on a monthly subscription basis. We hold a minority interest in RTN, which is independently managed by Roberts Communications Network, Inc., and we are primarily a content provider to the service.

RaceONTV™

        We provide broadcast and wagering services under the brand RaceONTV™ to OTBs and racetracks outside the United States, subject to legal and governmental restrictions. RaceONTV™ services include the supply of decoders to receive an encoded satellite channel featuring live horse racing, wagering terminals to allow pari-mutuel wagering into U.S., Austrian, and German racetrack pari-mutuel pools, internet- based customer service center for downloading racecard information and marketing materials as well as totalisator and wagering pool settlement services.

        RaceONTV™ launched in early 2004 and currently has customers in Austria, Germany, and Peru. MEC Sport and Entertainment GmbH holds a license issued by the provincial government of Lower Austria which allows it to accept and process pari-mutuel wagers and a license issued by the Austrian Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications and Broadcasting which allows it to broadcast an encoded TV channel via satellite with a European footprint. Services are only offered to OTBs and racetracks with a valid license to accept pari-mutuel wagers in the jurisdictions in which it operates.

        RaceONTV™'s primary source of revenues are the service fees it receives as a percentage of handle generated at its customers' physical locations and rent for decoders and wagering equipment and services. This is reduced by host track fees, totalisator service fees, costs for signal transmission and distribution and other operating expenses.

Other Television Distribution

        From time to time, we seek exclusive and non-exclusive television distribution agreements with television networks and other distribution outlets to cover horse racing events from our tracks. NBC carried live television coverage of the 2003, 2004 and 2005 Sunshine Millions®. In 2003 and 2004, HDNet carried live and tape-delayed, high-definition television coverage of certain horse races from Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie and Santa Anita Park. We continue to seek new outlets for national television coverage of our horse racing content in order to promote the sport of horse racing and attract additional wagering customers to our racetracks and other wagering platforms.

StreuFex™

        In 2002, we purchased FEX ÖKO Faserverarbeitungs-GMBH ("FOF"), an Austrian company that manufactures and sells StreuFex™, a horse bedding product made from straw that is ground and turned into pellets. With the purchase of FOF, we acquired a StreuFex™ manufacturing plant in Neusied/Zaya, Austria. In 2003, we purchased approximately 80 acres of land in Lumberton, North Carolina on which we have built a StreuFex™ manufacturing facility. The Lumberton facility commenced operations and we introduced StreuFex™ to the North American market in the first quarter of 2004.

Recent Developments

        Set forth below is a summary of certain transactions and other projects that were underway in 2003, but not yet completed, and other business developments that have occurred since January 1, 2004.

Dixon Downs Development

        On March 3, 2003, we filed an application for various local approvals with the City of Dixon, California relating to the phased development of a destination entertainment and retail complex. The centerpiece of the development would be a thoroughbred horse racing track to be constructed on a 260-acre site in Dixon's Northeast Quadrant, approximately 20 miles from Sacramento. Portions of the proposed site were purchased in 2001 and 2002. The environmental impact analysis of the project has been initiated and the related studies are in the process of being prepared. We expect to complete the environmental review of the project and the negotiations with the City of Dixon regarding the terms of development by mid-2005 and be ready to go to hearing soon thereafter. See "— Our Real Estate Portfolio."

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Michigan Racetrack Development

        On August 29, 2002, we filed an application with The Office of Racing Commissioner (Michigan) for a license to construct a racetrack in the Greater Detroit area. The proposed site for the new racetrack is in the City of Romulus, Michigan, on a property which is situated less than two miles from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. This site, which was purchased by a subsidiary of our parent company, MI Developments Inc. in October 2003, consists of approximately 212 acres in a location less than 25 miles from the center of the business districts of both Detroit and Ann Arbor. We have entered into an option agreement with MI Developments Inc. to purchase the shares of the subsidiary that owns the site. The proposed new track has the potential to be a dual purpose facility which could host both thoroughbred and standardbred racing. The issuance of a racetrack license is subject to the review and approval of the application by The Office of Racing Commissioner (Michigan). The construction of the racetrack is still subject to certain regulatory approvals by the City of Romulus, but in August 2004 the Romulus city council and planning commission effectively approved the site plan and location for the proposed horse racetrack by granting the necessary site plan and conditional use approvals that are required for us to apply for and receive a building permit. In addition, in December 2003, the citizens of the City of Romulus held a referendum to determine whether they supported (i) a casino and (ii) a horse racetrack in the City of Romulus. A majority of the votes cast in the referendum were in favor of both a casino and a horse racetrack in the City of Romulus. Finally, in January 2004, the Romulus city council adopted a resolution supporting, in principle, our application to The Office of Racing Commissioner (Michigan) for a new horse racetrack in the City of Romulus.

        As of January 1, 2005, there were three other pending applications for a racetrack in the Detroit Metropolitan area and three other pending applications for a racetrack site to be located within the Detroit city limits. As for the Detroit Metropolitan area racetrack applications, in December 2002, a competing application for a license to construct and operate a horse racetrack with pari-mutuel wagering was filed with The Office of Racing Commissioner (Michigan) by a third party. The site for this competing application originally was located in Van Buren township, but has since been relocated to the City of Allen Park, Michigan. In April 2004, a competing application for a license to construct and operate a horse racetrack with pari-mutuel wagering was filed with The Office of Racing Commissioner (Michigan) for a site to be located in the city of Highland Park, Michigan. In June 2004, a competing application for a license to construct and operate a horse racetrack with pari-mutuel wagering in Romulus, Michigan was filed with The Office of Racing Commissioner (Michigan) by a third party. This site is located in the city of Romulus and is just north and west of our proposed racetrack site.

        The applicant that filed the competing Romulus application has also filed two applications to construct a horse racetrack at two different sites in the Detroit area, one at the Detroit State Fairgrounds and one within the city of Westlands, Michigan. Another applicant has filed an application for a license to construct a horse racetrack with pari-mutuel wagering for a site located at the Detroit Sate Fairgrounds.

Magna 5 Pick 5™

        In January 2004, MEC introduced a new Pick 5 wager, the Magna 5™, which offers a guaranteed $500,000 minimum pool every Saturday afternoon during selected periods each year. Sponsored by XpressBet®, the Magna 5™ features five races in the span of about one hour from premier tracks such as Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, Golden Gate Fields and Laurel Park. While the Magna 5™ features races from our tracks, the national wager is offered at pari-mutuel outlets throughout the country.

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Competition

        We face numerous sources of competition. We compete with other racetracks for customers both with respect to attendance at our racetracks and in the simulcast markets. We also compete with other racetracks for horses, jockeys and backstretch personnel. Certain of our competitors operate in jurisdictions which permit alternative gaming at racetracks, which enhances their ability to compete for horsemen by offering larger purses and attracts additional potential customers to their facilities. One of our competitors, Churchill Downs Inc., has been in operation for a much longer period of time than we have and may have greater name recognition. We expect this competition from other racetracks to intensify as new gaming operators enter our markets and existing competitors expand their operations and consolidate management of multiple racetracks.

        We also compete for customers with other sports, entertainment and gaming operators, including casinos and government-sponsored lotteries. We also compete with Internet and other account wagering gaming services that allow their customers to wager on a wide variety of sporting events and Las Vegas-style casino games from home, many of which are currently operating from off-shore locations in violation of U.S. law by accepting wagers from U.S. residents.

        As we develop our account wagering operations, including telephone, Internet and interactive television wagering, we expect our competition with other account wagering operators to increase substantially. In addition, our ability to conduct account wagering on races from racetracks that we do not own is dependent on our ability to enter into agreements with those racetracks whereby we obtain account wagering rights. Certain racetracks, including those currently owned by Churchill Downs Inc. and those currently operated by the New York Racing Association, have entered into contracts with other account wagering operators, granting such operators exclusive rights to accept certain types of account wagering on their races. We may not be able to obtain access to racing content from racetracks not owned by us for our account wagering operations as a result of these exclusive arrangements or otherwise on terms that are acceptable to us.

Government Regulation

Horse Racing

        Horse racing is a highly regulated industry. In the United States, individual states control the operations of racetracks located within their respective jurisdictions with the intent of, among other things, protecting the public from unfair and illegal gambling practices, generating tax revenue, licensing racetracks and operators and preventing organized crime from being involved in the industry. Although the specific form may vary, states that regulate horse racing generally do so through a horse racing commission or other gambling regulatory authority. Regulatory authorities perform background checks on all racetrack owners prior to granting them the necessary operating licenses. Horse owners, trainers, jockeys, drivers, stewards, judges and backstretch personnel are also subject to licensing by governmental authorities. State regulation of horse races extends to virtually every aspect of racing and usually extends to details such as the presence and placement of specific race officials, including timers, placing judges, starters and patrol judges.

        In the United States, interstate pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is also subject to the federal Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 and the federal Interstate Wire Act of 1961. As a result of these two statutes, racetracks can commingle wagers from differing racetracks and wagering facilities and broadcast horse racing events to other licensed establishments.

        In Canada, pari-mutuel wagering is regulated by the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency, a branch of the Canadian federal government, while the conduct of horse races is regulated by provincial racing commissions. Both regulatory authorities perform background checks on all racetrack owners before granting them licenses to conduct pari-mutuel wagering and horse races, as applicable. Provincial horse racing commissions also have licensing and other regulatory requirements similar to those of state racing commissions described above, although solely with respect to the conduct of horse races and not pari-mutuel wagering.

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        We currently satisfy the applicable licensing requirements of the racing and gambling regulatory authorities in each state or province where we maintain racetracks and/or carry on business, including the California Horse Racing Board, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, the Texas Racing Commission, the Maryland Racing Commission, the Virginia Racing Commission, the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission, the Ohio State Racing Commission, the Office of the Racing Commissioner of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania State Harness Racing Commission, the Nevada Gaming Commission, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, the Oregon Racing Commission, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency, the Ontario Racing Commission and the Government of the Province of Lower Austria. As part of this regulation, licenses to conduct live horse racing and to participate in simulcast wagering are required, and there is no assurance that these licenses will be granted, renewed or maintained in good standing, as applicable.

        In California, the California Horse Racing Board is responsible for regulating the form of wagering, the length and conduct of meets and the allocation and distribution of pari-mutuel wagers within the limits set by the California legislature. The California Horse Racing Board has annually licensed The Oak Tree Racing Association and one of our subsidiaries, Los Angeles Turf Club, Inc., to conduct separate racing meets at Santa Anita Park. At present, the California Horse Racing Board has not licensed other thoroughbred racetracks in Southern California to conduct racing during these meets. However, night quarter horse racing is conducted at Los Alamitos Race Course in Southern California during portions of these meets. The California Horse Racing Board also annually licenses the operations of Golden Gate Fields in respect of the two racing meets that it conducts each year. As with the Southern California market, the California Horse Racing Board has not licensed other thoroughbred racetracks in Northern California to conduct racing during these meets. The California Horse Racing Board also has licensed XpressBet, Inc. to conduct account wagering operations as described below. Currently, there are two other licensees in California that are licensed to conduct account wagering in that state. Our financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected by legislative changes or action by the California Horse Racing Board that would increase the number of competitive racing days, reduce the number of racing days available to us and The Oak Tree Racing Association, authorize other forms of wagering, grant additional licenses authorizing competitors to conduct account wagering, or remove or limit our authority to conduct account wagering in California.

        In Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission approves annual licenses for racetracks to conduct thoroughbred and standardbred horse races. However, Maryland's racing law effectively provides that except for Pimlico and Laurel Park, the Maryland Racing Commission may not issue thoroughbred racetrack licenses or thoroughbred race dates to any racetracks that have a circumference of at least one mile and are located within the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. markets. Other than a track located in Timonium, Maryland (a northern suburb of Baltimore), which has a racetrack circumference of less than one mile and which typically conducts an eight-day race meeting in connection with the Maryland State Fair, the Maryland Racing Commission has not approved a thoroughbred track license or thoroughbred race dates for any racetrack in either the Baltimore or Washington, D.C. markets.

        In Virginia, the Virginia Racing Commission regulates all aspects of the conduct of horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering (including the licensing of advance deposit account wagering operators that wish to open advance deposit account wagering accounts on behalf of Virginia residents). Virginia law requires both an owner's license, for those persons who own or lease the property and facilities at which live horse racing is conducted, and an operator's license, for those persons responsible for conducting live horse racing or pari-mutuel wagering at a licensed racetrack facility or off-track wagering facility. Each type of license has a duration of twenty years, subject to ongoing compliance with its terms and with applicable laws and regulations. Unlike most other states in which we operate, an annual renewal of an unlimited owner's or operator's license is not required; however, holders of an unlimited owner/operator's license must file an annual application for race dates with the Virginia Racing Commission. Through our indirect subsidiary, Maryland-Virginia Racing Circuit, Inc. ("MVRC"), we possess a 20-year operator's license that was issued in 1996, and pursuant to which MVRC manages the live horse racing and pari-mutuel operations on behalf of the owners of Colonial Downs racetrack. Currently, Colonial Downs holds the only unlimited owner's license issued by the Virginia Racing Commission, and Colonial Downs and MVRC each hold the only unlimited operator's licenses issued by the Virginia Racing Commission. Unlimited licenses entail 15 or more race days.

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        In Florida, the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering considers applications for annual licenses for thoroughbred, standardbred and quarter horse meetings. Tax laws in Florida have historically discouraged the three Miami-area racetracks, Gulfstream Park, Hialeah Park (which no longer hosts live racing) and Calder Race Course, from applying for race days outside of their traditional racing season, so the race days for these Miami-area racetracks did not overlap. Effective July 1, 2001, a new tax structure eliminated this deterrent. While a revised tax structure has enabled Gulfstream Park to apply for and receive additional race days since 2002, the deregulation of the race day allocation process may, in the future, cause an overlap in racing seasons which could result in Gulfstream Park facing direct competition from other Miami-area racetracks.

        In Texas, the Texas Racing Commission issues licenses to conduct pari-mutuel wagering. Once issued, a license can be suspended or revoked for a variety of reasons. Even with a license, a racetrack operator can conduct live racing only during the time periods authorized by the Texas Racing Commission. The Texas Racing Commission has not licensed any operator of a horse or greyhound racetrack in the Dallas area, other than Lone Star Park.

        In Ohio, the Ohio State Racing Commission approves annual licenses for racetracks to conduct thoroughbred, standardbred and quarter horse races. The Ohio State Racing Commission has not licensed any other operators of thoroughbred racetracks in the Cleveland area to conduct racing during Thistledown's meets. However, the Ohio State Racing Commission has licensed an operator of a night harness racing track in the Cleveland area.

        In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission regulates all aspects of live horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering. The Commission considers and approves annual licenses for thoroughbred and mixed breed (quarter horse, paint horse and Appaloosa) race meetings. Currently, there are three racetracks in Oklahoma that are licensed to offer a live race meet with pari-mutuel wagering. A fourth license to conduct live racing with pari-mutuel wagering has been filed for a track in Claremore, Oklahoma, which is northeast of Tulsa, Oklahoma, but action on that license application has been deferred until a later date. Since it opened in 1988, Remington Park has been the only racetrack in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area licensed to conduct live horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering.

        In Michigan, the Office of Racing Commissioner approves annual licenses for thoroughbred, standardbred and mixed breed (quarter horse, paint horse, Appaloosa and Arabian) race meetings. There are currently no thoroughbred-exclusive racetracks in Michigan other than Great Lakes Downs. However, the Office of Racing Commissioner has licensed standardbred race meetings at five existing racetracks in Michigan. See "— Recent Developments" in connection with our application for a license to construct a dual purpose racetrack in the Greater Detroit area and two competing applications filed by third parties.

        In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Harness Racing Commission approves annual licenses for standardbred racetracks, while the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission approves annual licenses for thoroughbred racetracks. Neither the Pennsylvania State Harness Racing Commission nor the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission has licensed any operators of horse racetracks, other than The Meadows, in the Pittsburgh area; however, on September 26, 2002, the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission approved an application for a thoroughbred racing license for an operation to be located near Erie, Pennsylvania, which is approximately 100 miles from The Meadows. More recently, seven applications for racetracks in the Pittsburgh marketplace have been filed in the past year, consisting of two standardbred applications, four thoroughbred applications and one dual thoroughbred-standardbred application.

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        We conduct telephone and Internet account wagering through our subsidiary, XpressBet, Inc., and the entities that hold the licenses to conduct horseracing and pari-mutuel wagering at The Meadows. XpressBet, Inc. currently holds a license to serve as a multi-jurisdictional account wagering hub by the California Horse Racing Board which expires in October 2006. XpressBet® also holds a license to serve as a multi-jurisdictional account wagering hub issued by the Oregon Racing Commission. The Oregon license enables XpressBet® to open accounts and accept wagering instructions on behalf of U.S citizens in respect of dog races and to open accounts and accept wagering instructions on behalf of non-U.S. citizens in respect of horse races. XpressBet® also holds account wagering licenses issued by the Washington Racing Commission and the Idaho Racing Commission, and it is in the process of applying for an advance deposit account wagering license from the Virginia Racing Commission. The two entities that conduct horseracing and pari-mutuel wagering at The Meadows are entitled to serve as a Pennsylvania-based account wagering hub by virtue of their annual licenses to conduct standardbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering. XpressBet® and the entities that conduct horseracing and pari-mutuel wagering at The Meadows conduct their respective account wagering operations under the trade name XpressBet®. In accordance with the laws of Pennsylvania, California and Oregon, XpressBet® opens wagering accounts on behalf of residents from California, Pennsylvania and certain other states and processes wagering instructions from those account holders in respect of races conducted throughout the United States and in other countries.

        Laws governing account wagering in the United States vary from state to state. Currently, approximately seventeen states have expressly authorized some form of account wagering by their residents. A smaller number of states have expressly prohibited pari-mutuel wagering and/or account wagering. The remaining states have authorized pari-mutuel wagering but have neither expressly authorized nor expressly prohibited their residents from placing wagers through account wagering hubs located in different states. We believe that the amendment to the federal Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 described above clarified that an account wagering operation may open accounts on behalf of and accept wagering instructions from residents of states where pari-mutuel wagering is legal and where providing wagering instructions to account wagering operators located in other states is not expressly prohibited by statute, regulation or other government restrictions. Although our account wagering operations are conducted in accordance with what we believe is a valid interpretation of applicable state and federal law, certain state attorneys general, district attorneys and other law enforcement officials have expressed concern over the legality of interstate account wagering. The amendment to the federal Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 may not be interpreted similarly by all interested parties, and there may be challenges to our account wagering activities or those of other account wagering operations by both state and federal law enforcement authorities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions, operating results and prospects.

        In Oregon, the Oregon Racing Commission approves annual licenses for horse and greyhound racetracks, and, as discussed above, multi-jurisdictional account wagering hubs. The Oregon Racing Commission has not licensed any operators of horse racetracks in the Portland area, other than Portland Meadows. The Oregon Racing Commission has, however, licensed five other account wagering operators who compete with XpressBet® for account wagering customers.

        In Ontario, horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering are regulated by two governmental agencies. The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency is responsible for licensing and regulating the conduct of pari-mutuel wagering by racetracks located in Canada. The Ontario Racing Commission is responsible for regulating the non-wagering aspects of the conduct of horse racing by racetracks located in the province of Ontario. Flamboro Downs is located in Hamilton, Ontario, and is licensed by both the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency and the Ontario Racing Commission. Currently, there are three other racetracks licensed to conduct live horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering within sixty miles of Flamboro Downs: Woodbine Racetrack and Casino (thoroughbred and standardbred), Mohawk Raceway (standardbred), and Fort Erie (thoroughbred).

        In Austria, horse race meets are conducted at the Magna Racino™ by the Austrian Race Horse Owners Club under agreement with us. The Austrian Race Horse Owners Club conducts standardbred (harness) and thoroughbred horse race meets pursuant to licenses issued by the Direktorium des Jockeyclub für Österreich (thoroughbred) and the Zentrale für Traberzucht und Rennen in Österreich (standardbred harness). There is no limitation as to the number of racing days that can be conducted under these licenses. We offer pari-mutuel wagering on the horse races conducted at the Magna Racino™ and through our MagnaBet™ account wagering service pursuant to totalisator licenses issued by the Government of the Province of Lower Austria.

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Alternative Gaming

Ontario

        Ontario law also permits the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, or the OLGC, owned by the provincial government, to operate VLTs at licensed horse racetracks in Ontario. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, or the AGCO, regulates all respects of the conduct of VLT operations in the province of Ontario. The OLGC conducts VLT operations at Flamboro Downs racetrack. See "— Our Properties — Flamboro Downs".

Pennsylvania

        The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act was passed and signed into legislation in July 2004. This legislation authorizes the granting of slot machine licenses to up to seven Category 1 licensed facilities (i.e. racetracks) and up to five Category 2 licensed facilities (i.e. non-tracks), along with limited licenses to up to two Category 3 licensed facilities (i.e. resort hotels). Those racetracks and non-track facilities which successfully apply for slot machine licenses will be permitted to operate between 1,500 and 3,000 slot machines each, subject to future expansion of up to 2,000 additional machines per facility upon the approval of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The licensed resort facilities will be permitted to operate, on a limited basis, up to 500 machines each.

        Each racetrack slot machine licensee in Pennsylvania will be required to pay 34% of its daily gross revenues from gaming less all monetary payouts ("Gross Terminal Revenues") to the State Gaming Fund, 4% of its Gross Terminal Revenues as a local share assessment, 5% of its Gross Terminal Revenues to the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund and a maximum of 12% of its Gross Terminal Revenues to a pool (the "Horsemen Pool") for distribution to each racetrack's horsemen, in the form of purses and other awards. Non-track and resort facilities will be bound to make the same percentage distributions but, since they do not conduct horse racing, they will contribute to the Horsemen Pool that portion of their Gross Terminal Revenues which is equal, on a pro rata basis, to the amount contributed to the Horsemen Pool by Category 1 licensees. The Horsemen Pool will then be allocated among the horsemen at each of the Category 1 licensed facilities, with the intention of providing payments to the horsemen at each racetrack, which are equivalent to 18% of that track's Gross Terminal Revenues.

        All racetrack licensees offering slot machines in Pennsylvania must pay an upfront fee of $50.0 million and will be required to commit a minimum of $5.0 million over a five year period, and a minimum of $0.25 million annually for five years thereafter, for improvements and maintenance of its backstretch. The legalization of alternative gaming at Pennsylvania racetracks is anticipated to have a significant positive impact on purses and on the Pennsylvania horse racing industry in general. We intend to pursue an application for a slot machine license at The Meadows, MEC's racetrack in the Pittsburgh area, in accordance with the requirements of the legislation and associated regulations without delay. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, created under the legislation to implement and oversee licensee gaming operations, has been fully constituted but has not yet released the operating regulations or form of licensee application. We are closely monitoring this process and will be in a position to pursue our application as soon as the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board permits.

        The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act has been subjected to legal challenge by various groups, a move that was not unanticipated at the time of the passage of this legislation. These legal challenges are currently in the courts and are being vigorously defended by both the State of Pennsylvania and interested industry representatives.

Oklahoma

        Under new legislation that was approved by the citizens of the State of Oklahoma in a referendum held on November 2, 2004, Remington Park, our Oklahoma City racetrack, will be permitted, subject to licensing, to operate 650 electronic gaming machines, subject to increases of an additional 50 machines in each of the third and fifth years after the issuance of the applicable license. One of the pre-conditions to Remington Park's right to operate gaming machines under the new legislation, ratification of a model tribal-state gaming compact by at least four Oklahoma Native American tribes, has now taken place. The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission is empowered under the legislation to oversee licensees' applications and operations and continues to work on the form of regulations and applications it will require. We intend to closely monitor this process and to be in a position to pursue our license application as soon as the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission permits.

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Florida

        On November 2, 2004, Amendment 4 to the Florida State Constitution was approved, permitting the governing bodies of Broward and Miami-Dade counties to each hold a county-wide referendum on whether to authorize slot machines within existing, licensed pari-mutuel facilities that have conducted live racing during each of the last two years. The referendum was scheduled for vote in Broward County, where Gulfstream Park is located, on March 8, 2005. Based on preliminary unofficial results from the Broward County Supervisor of Elections announced on March 9, 2005, voters in Broward County have approved the referendum questions by majority vote, which means that slot machines are authorized at qualifying pari-mutuel facilities in Broward County, subject to the enactment of applicable legislation and licensing. Pursuant to Amendment 4, the state legislature is now required to adopt implementing legislation in the next regular legislative session, with an effective date no later than July 1, 2005. We have entered into an agreement with Broward County, identical in principal terms to agreements entered into by the three other pari-mutuel facilities in that County, that contains, among other things, provision for payment to the County of 1.5% of Gross Terminal Revenues up to a level of $250.0 million of Gross Terminal Revenues and 2.0% on Gross Terminal Revenues in excess. If the referendum was approved and officially certified, we are required to enter into an agreement with the city in which Gulfstream Park is located, Hallandale Beach, providing for, among other things, a payment of a percentage of Gross Terminal Revenues to that city.

Austria

        Austrian law permits Glucks-und Unterhaltungsspiel Ebreichsdorf Betriebsges.m.bH, a division of Casinos Austria AG, to operate video lottery terminals at the Magna Racino^TM under license and pursuant to the Games of Chance Act (Austria).

Our Real Estate Portfolio

        As of December 31, 2004, the aggregate net book values of our real estate properties are as follows:

        We currently have substantial holdings of excess racing real estate, revenue-producing non-racing real estate and non-core real estate in excess of that needed to support our racetrack operations. We are continually re-evaluating each of these holdings in relation to our core business activities. We will, from time to time, sell or otherwise monetize some or all of these real estate holdings in order to fund the growth of our core racing operations and related businesses. The aggregate net book value of these excess racing real estate assets as of December 31, 2004 was approximately $184.3 million.

        Included in our excess racing real estate is land adjacent to several of our racetracks, Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course and Magna Racino™, totaling approximately 786 acres. We are considering a variety of options with respect to this land, including entertainment and retail-based developments that could be undertaken in conjunction with business partners who could be expected to provide the necessary marketing and development expertise, as well as the necessary financing.

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        Our development real estate, which is largely undeveloped, includes: approximately 27 acres of land in Oberwaltersdorf, Austria, located approximately 20 miles south of Vienna; approximately 800 acres of land in upstate New York; approximately 260 acres of land in Dixon, California, located approximately 20 miles southwest of Sacramento; approximately 491 acres of land in Ocala, Florida; 157 acres of land in Palm Beach County, Florida, adjacent to our Palm Meadows® training facility, which is currently in the initial stages of development as a residential community; and approximately 21 acres of land in Aurora, Ontario, adjacent to one of our golf courses, which is currently under development as a residential community.

        Our revenue-producing non-racing real estate consists of two golf courses that we own and operate, Fontana Sports and Magna Golf Club. Fontana Sports, which opened in 1997, is a semi-private sports facility located in Oberwaltersdorf, Austria that includes an 18-hole golf course, a tennis club and a clubhouse which contains a dining facility, a pro shop and a fitness facility. The Magna Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course in Aurora, Ontario, adjacent to our and Magna International Inc.'s headquarters approximately 30 miles north of Toronto, opened in May 2001. The clubhouse was completed in the spring of 2002 and contains a dining facility, a members' lounge, a pro shop and a fitness facility.

        In November 2004, we entered into access agreements with Magna International Inc. and one of its subsidiaries for their use of the golf courses and associated facilities at Magna Golf Club and Fontana Sports. Magna International Inc. has a right of first refusal to purchase Magna Golf Club and Fontana Sports. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".

Environmental Matters

        We are subject to a wide range of requirements under environmental laws and regulations relating to wastewater discharge, waste management and storage of hazardous substances. Those requirements include United States Environmental Protection Agency and state regulations that address the impacts of manure and wastewater generated by concentrated animal feeding operations ("CAFOs") on water quality, including, but not limited to, storm water discharges. CAFO regulations include permit requirements and water quality discharge standards. Enforcement of CAFO regulations has been receiving increased governmental attention. Compliance with these and other environmental laws and regulations can, in some circumstances, require significant capital expenditures. Moreover, violations can result in significant penalties and, in some cases, interruption or cessation of operations. Historically, environmental laws and regulations have not had a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.

        Negotiations are proceeding between The Maryland Jockey Club and Maryland Environmental Authorities regarding the terms of a consent order pertaining to the implementation of measures to contain wastewater discharges. The cost and timing of such measures have not yet been finalized.

        While we have environmental permits for many of our racetracks and other business operations and are taking steps to comply with them and other applicable environmental legal requirements, we cannot be certain that we have all required environmental permits or are otherwise in compliance with all applicable environmental requirements. Where we determine that an environmental permit or other remediation or compliance programs are required of existing or acquired racetracks and other business operations, we intend to seek the necessary approvals, which may require us to make significant capital expenditures. Also, changes in governmental laws and regulations are ongoing, as evidenced by changes to the CAFO regulations that make environmental compliance increasingly expensive. In addition to environmental requirements that regulate our operations, various environmental laws and regulations in the United States, Canada and Europe impose liability on us as a current or previous owner and manager of real property, for the cost of maintenance, removal and remediation of hazardous materials released or deposited on or in properties now or previously managed by us or disposed of in other locations. We have adopted a health and safety and environmental policy, pursuant to which we are committed to ensuring that a systematic review program is implemented and measured for each of our operations with a goal of continued improvement in health and safety and environmental matters. We believe that environmental legal requirements will not have a material adverse impact on our business, although there can be no assurance of that.

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Employees

        As of December 31, 2004, we employed approximately 5,300 employees, approximately 3,000 of whom were represented by unions. Due to the seasonal nature of the live horse racing industry, the number of our seasonal and part-time employees will vary considerably throughout the year.

        Since our inception, we have not had a work stoppage. We consider our relations with our employees to be good. We also believe that our future success will depend in part on our continued ability to attract, integrate, retain and motivate highly-qualified technical and managerial personnel, and upon the continued service of our senior management.

RISK FACTORS

        The most significant risks and uncertainties we face are described below, but other risks and uncertainties that are not known to us or that we currently believe are not material or are similar to those faced by other companies in our industry may also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results or prospects.

        If any of the following risks, or any of the risks described in the other documents we file with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities, actually occur, our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects could be materially adversely affected. In that case, our ability to make payments of principal and interest on our debt securities may be limited and the trading price of the shares of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock or other securities could decline substantially and investors may lose all or part of the value of the shares of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock or other securities held by them.

Risks Regarding Our Company

        We expect that during 2005 we will require additional financing to fund our current planned operations and the implementation of our strategic plan, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such financing on satisfactory terms, if at all.

        We expect that during 2005, we will be required to seek additional debt and/or equity financing in order to fund our current planned operations and the implementation of our strategic plan, including capitalizing on future growth opportunities. We also intend to generate cash by monetizing certain of our receivables, selling some of our real estate holdings and other assets and/or entering into leases or similar arrangements with respect to such real estate holdings or other assets in order to fund our current planned operations and certain portions of our strategic plan. If additional financing or other sources of funds are not available to us as needed, or are not available on terms that are acceptable to us, our business, operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected, including, without limitation, our ability to add alternative gaming to our racetracks where permitted or improve or expand our operations as planned.

        We have already entered into numerous financing arrangements secured by significant portions of our assets, which will limit our ability to provide security for new loans. Please see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Working Capital, Cash and Other Resources".

        Following their expiry, there can be no assurance that the amounts, terms and conditions involved in the renewal or extension of our existing financing arrangements will be favorable, or that we will be able to renew or extend any of these financing arrangements at all. If we are unable to renew or extend our financing arrangements when due, on favorable terms, or at all, our business, operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

        Our senior revolving credit facility imposes important restrictions on us.

        Our senior revolving credit facility, which matures on October 10, 2005, requires us to maintain a bank debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ratio not greater than 5.0 to 1, an interest coverage ratio not lower than 1.5 to 1 and a senior interest coverage ratio not lower than 2.5 to 1, each as calculated under the facility. This revolving credit facility is secured by a first charge on the assets of Golden Gate Fields and a second charge on the assets of Santa Anita Park and are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries which own and operate Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita Park. The credit agreement also contains customary covenants relating to our ability to incur additional indebtedness, make future acquisitions, enter into certain related party transactions, consummate asset dispositions, incur capital expenditures and make restricted payments. These restrictions may limit our ability to expand, pursue our business strategies and obtain additional funds. Our ability to meet these financial covenants may be adversely affected by a deterioration in business conditions or our results of operations, adverse regulatory developments and other events beyond our control. It is possible that we may not be able to meet the financial covenants under our $50.0 million senior, revolving credit facility at the quarterly reporting dates during the remaining term of the facility. Failure to comply with these restrictions may result in the occurrence of an event of default under the senior, revolving credit facility and trigger a cross-default under certain of our other credit facilities. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lender may terminate the senior, revolving credit facility, demand immediate payment of all amounts borrowed by us and require adequate security or collateral for all outstanding letters of credit outstanding under the facility, which could adversely affect our ability to repay our debt securities and would adversely affect the trading price of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock.

        Two of our totalisator service providers have not provided us with a Type II Statement on Auditing Standards ("SAS") 70 report and we therefore have a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting.

        During the course of our assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, it was determined that the inability of two of our totalisator service providers to furnish a Type II SAS 70 report constitutes a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. Although we have not identified any accounting adjustments as a result of inaccurate tote information, our inability to obtain a Type II SAS 70 report means that we do not have reasonable assurance that these tote providers maintain accurate and fair records of all wagering transactions processed by them or that these tote providers have adequate security measures in place to detect and prevent unauthorized manipulation of the wagering transactions processed by them. This constitutes a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and is a control deficiency that results in a more than remote likelihood that a material misstatement of our financial statements will not be prevented or detected. Please see "Item 9A — Controls and Procedures."

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        Our operating income includes gains from the sale of non-core real estate, which sales may soon cease, causing our future operating income and cash flow to decrease.

        We generate earnings of approximately $9.6 million, $0 and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, from non-core real estate sales. Although we may realize some gains from sales of our non-core real estate over the next year or so, we expect those gains to be reduced to zero as the balance of our non-core real estate portfolio is sold. As a result, our short-term and annual operating income and cash flow may be adversely affected by decreases in non-core real estate sales. If we do not replace these gains or offset these decreases with additional operating income and cash flow from our racetrack operations and other sources, our future operating income and cash flow will decline.

Our business is heavily concentrated at certain of our racetracks.

        Six of our racetracks, Santa Anita Park, Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course, Gulfstream Park, Lone Star Park and Golden Gate Fields accounted for approximately 62.3% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2004. If a business interruption were to occur and continue for a significant length of time at any of these racetracks, it could adversely affect our operating results. Additionally, certain of our other racetrack properties have experienced operating losses before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization over the past three years. The operating performance of these racetracks may not improve in the future.

        We ceased operations at Bay Meadows and Multnomah Greyhound Park at the end of 2004, which is likely to adversely affect our operating results compared with previous years.

        The lease on our Bay Meadows site expired December 31, 2004. Although we are continuing to explore alternative venues, including vacant land that we purchased in Dixon, California for future development of a thoroughbred racetrack with an associated retail shopping and entertainment complex, this project is still in the early stages of planning and is subject to regulatory and other approvals. Our operating results will be materially adversely affected at least until such time as an alternative venue could be opened or additional revenue source arrangements secured. There can be no assurance that operating at an alternative venue in the future will be as profitable as our Bay Meadows operation has been. Bay Meadows had earnings before income taxes in 2004 of $3.1 million.

        On December 23, 2004, we announced that we would not renew our lease of the Multnomah Greyhound Park in Portland, Oregon when the lease expired on December 31, 2004. We purchased the operating rights for the greyhound track in October 2001. Multnomah Greyhound Park had a loss of $2.6 million before income taxes in 2004.

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        We are a relatively young company with a short history of racetrack operations. We must successfully integrate all of our racetrack acquisitions and implement best practices and cost efficiencies or our operating results may be adversely affected.

        We were incorporated approximately six years ago and acquired our first racetrack in December 1998. Accordingly, although all our racetracks have been in operation for some time, we have a relatively short history of owning and operating racetracks. The acquisition of Santa Anita Park was completed in December 1998, the acquisition of Gulfstream Park was completed in September 1999, the acquisition of Remington Park and Thistledown was completed in November 1999, the acquisition of Golden Gate Fields was completed in December 1999, the acquisition of Great Lakes Downs was completed in February 2000, the acquisition of The Meadows was completed in April 2001, the acquisition of Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie was completed in October 2002, the acquisition of Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park was completed in November 2002 and the acquisition of Flamboro Downs was completed in April 2003. The Portland Meadows facility commenced operations under our management in July 2001 and we assumed the management of the racing operations of Colonial Downs in November 2002. Maroñas, the national racetrack of Uruguay, located in Montevideo, re-opened with our assistance in June 2003. Prior to their respective acquisitions or management agreements with us, most of these racetracks had been operated separately under different ownership. Integrating these businesses into our operations and implementing best practices and cost efficiencies across all of our racetracks has required and will require a dedication of a significant amount of management resources.

        If we do not successfully integrate our acquisitions and any future acquisitions, or if this integration consumes a disproportionate amount of our management's time, then these acquisitions may materially adversely affect our efficiency and, therefore, significantly harm our business.

        In the state of Maryland, our operating agreement with the owner of Rosecroft Raceway may not be assumed by any purchasers of Rosecroft Raceway, and in any event, such agreement terminates on April 30, 2005.

        The Maryland Jockey Club, the trade name for the entities that own and operate Pimlico and Laurel Park, is a party to an agreement (the "Maryland Operating Agreement") with Cloverleaf Enterprises, Inc., the current owner of Rosecroft Raceway, a standardbred track located in Prince George's County in Maryland. The Maryland Operating Agreement replaced a previous agreement (the "Maryland Revenue Sharing Agreement"), which was effective as of January 1, 2000 and expired on April 18, 2004. The term of the Maryland Operating Agreement runs from June 9, 2004 through April 30, 2005, unless earlier terminated in accordance with its terms, or extended by mutual agreement of all parties.

        The Maryland Revenue Sharing Agreement enabled wagering to be conducted, both day and evening, on live and simulcast thoroughbred and harness races at Pimlico, Laurel Park and Rosecroft and the three Maryland OTBs operated by them. Under the Maryland Revenue Sharing Agreement, wagering revenue from these sources was pooled and certain expenses and obligations were pooled and paid from those revenues to generate net wagering revenue. This net wagering revenue was then distributed 80% to The Maryland Jockey Club and 20% to Rosecroft. Commencing April 19, 2004, The Maryland Jockey Club and Rosecroft are no longer pooling their wagering revenue and distributing net wagering revenue as they did under the Maryland Revenue Sharing Agreement. From April 19, 2004 until June 9, 2004, they operated under a state law, which precluded The Maryland Jockey Club from operating after 6:15 p.m. without Rosecrofts' consent, and the federal Interstate Horseracing Act, which provides that, without the consent of The Maryland Jockey Club, Rosecroft cannot accept simulcast wagering on horse racing during the times that Pimlico or Laurel Park are running live races.

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        Since coming into effect on June 9, 2004, the Maryland Operating Agreement has enabled Pimlico, Laurel Park and Rosecroft to conduct simulcast wagering on thoroughbred and harness race signals during the day and evening hours without restriction. Under the Maryland Operating Agreement, Cloverleaf agrees to pay the thoroughbred industry a 12% premium on pari-mutuel wagering (net of refunds) conducted at Rosecroft on all thoroughbred race signals, and The Maryland Jockey Club agrees to pay Cloverleaf a 12% premium on pari-mutuel wagering (net of refunds) conducted at Pimlico and Laurel Park and standardbred race signals.

        Under the Maryland Operating Agreement, the parties have agreed to make a good faith effort to reach a long-term agreement on cross-breed simulcasting and OTB facilities in the State of Maryland. Without an arrangement similar in effect to the Maryland Revenue Sharing Agreement or the Maryland Operating Agreement, there would be a material decline in the revenues, earnings and purses of The Maryland Jockey Club. At this time, the Company is uncertain as to the likelihood of a renewal of this agreement on comparable terms.

        It was announced in 2003 that Centaur, Inc. had entered into an agreement with Cloverleaf to purchase Rosecroft. However, in November 2003, Centaur apparently failed to meet certain conditions of the purchase agreement and Cloverleaf solicited bids from competing purchasers for Rosecroft. In December 2003, it was announced that Northwind Racing LLC was selected as the winning bidder for Rosecroft. Subsequently, Centaur has filed suit against both Cloverleaf and Northwind seeking to complete its purchase of Rosecroft. However, notwithstanding an announcement of a partnership between Greenwood Racing and Northwind to purchase Rosecroft in February 2004, the Northwind bid to purchase Rosecroft did not proceed. In November 2004, an announcement was made that Rosecroft Holdings, controlled by the Angelos family of Baltimore, had agreed to purchase Rosecroft and the sale was approved by the Maryland Racing Commission in January 2005. However, in mid-February 2005, Rosecroft Holdings announced that it did not intend to proceed with its purchase of Rosecroft. At this time, it is unclear whether there will be any sale of Rosecroft in the foreseeable future. However, in the event of the non-assumption by any successful purchaser of Rosecroft or the expiry of the Maryland Operating Agreement, we will be required to renegotiate an agreement with such purchaser. Such renegotiation, or the failure to reach a new agreement, may result in a decline in the revenues, earnings and purses of The Maryland Jockey Club, which would materially adversely affect our operating results.

        We are controlled by MI Developments Inc. and therefore MI Developments Inc. is able to prevent any takeover of us by a third party.

        MI Developments Inc. owns all our Class B Stock, which is entitled to 20 votes per share, and approximately 4.36 million shares of our Class A Stock, and therefore is able to exercise approximately 96% of the total voting power of our outstanding stock. It is therefore able to elect all our directors and to control us. As a result, MI Developments Inc. is able to cause or prevent a change in our control.

        Our relationship with MI Developments Inc. is not at "arm's length", and therefore MI Developments Inc. may influence us to make decisions that are not in the best interests of our other stockholders.

        Our relationship with MI Developments Inc. is not at "arm's length". In addition to the ownership of our stock as described in the preceding risk factor (and in the risks described below in "— Risks Relating to Our Securities — Sales of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock by MI Developments Inc. or by certain other of our significant stockholders under our effective registration statements could depress our stock price"), two members of our board of directors are also members of MI Development Inc.'s board of directors, including our chairman, who is also the chairman of MI Developments Inc. In some cases, the interests of MI Developments Inc. may not be the same as those of our other stockholders, and conflicts of interest may arise from time to time that may be resolved in a manner detrimental to us or our minority stockholders. MI Developments Inc. is able to cause us to effect certain corporate transactions without the consent of the holders of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock, subject to applicable law and the fiduciary duties of our directors and officers. Consequently, transactions effected between us and MI Developments Inc. may not be on the same terms as could be obtained from independent parties, resulting in the possibility of our minority stockholders' interests being compromised. See "— Our History".

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        We are exposed to currency exchange rate fluctuations which could aversely affect our profitability as reported in U.S. Dollars.

        Our business outside the United States is generally transacted in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Fluctuations in currencies relative to the U.S. dollar may make it more difficult to perform period-to-period comparisons of our operating results. Moreover, fluctuations in the U.S. dollar relative to currencies in which earnings are generated outside the United States could result in a reduction in our profitability as reported in U.S. dollars.

Risks Relating to Our Wagering Operations

        The passage of legislation permitting alternative gaming at racetracks, such as slot machines, VLTs and other forms of non-pari-mutuel gaming, can be a long and uncertain process. A decision to prohibit, delay or remove alternative gaming rights at racetracks by the government or the citizens of a state, or other jurisdiction, in which we own or operate a racetrack, could adversely affect our business or prospects.

        There has been speculation, by members of the media, investment analysts and our employees and other representatives, as to the probability and potential impact of the passage of legislation permitting alternative gaming at racetracks in various states in the United States. In 2004, both Pennsylvania and Oklahoma passed legislation enabling racetracks to apply for licenses to operate slots or other legal electronic gaming machines. We operate racetracks in each of Pennsylvania and Oklahoma that are eligible to apply for slots or electronic gaming licenses under the current legislation. Currently, the alternative gaming legislation in Pennsylvania is being challenged in the courts by opponents seeking to have the legislation overturned. In addition, in 2004, the Florida State Constitution was amended to permit certain counties to each hold a referendum on whether to authorize slot machines at certain existing pari-mutuel facilities located within each county. A referendum was held in Broward County, in which Gulfstream Park is located, on March 8, 2005. Based on preliminary unofficial results announced by the Broward County Supervisor of Elections on March 9, 2005, voters approved the referendum question. The Florida State Legislature is now required to enact alternative gaming legislation with an effective date not later than July 1, 2005, which should entitle Gulfstream Park to apply for a license to operate slot machines.

        Notwithstanding the passage of legislation permitting slots and electronic gaming in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, and the preliminary referendum results in Broward County, Florida, there can be no assurance that alternative gaming will be permitted at our racetracks located in those jurisdictions until the applicable license is granted and if alternative gaming is permitted at any of our racetracks, what the timetable, conditions, costs and profitability of such alternative gaming operations will be. In the event that we do not obtain the required licenses to operate alternative gaming in these jurisdictions within the timeframe anticipated by our stockholders, investment analysts and other interested parties, or at all, the market price for our securities may be materially adversely affected.

        Furthermore, other states are at various stages of considering alternative gaming but there can be no assurance that alternative gaming at racetracks will become permitted in those states, or if it does, what the timetable, conditions, terms of income or revenue sharing, or other feasibility factors will be.

        In the event that alternative gaming legislation is enacted in additional jurisdictions, there can be no certainty as to the terms of such legislation or regulations, including the timetable for commencement, the conditions and feasibility of operation and whether alternative gaming rights are to be limited to racetracks. If we proceed to conduct alternative gaming at any of our racetracks, there may be significant costs and other resources to be expended, and there will be significant risks involved, including the risk of changes in the enabling legislation, that may have a material adverse effect on the relevant racetrack's operations and profitability.

        The regulatory risks and uncertainties that are inherent in the conduct of alternative gaming also apply in other jurisdictions outside the United States. In the province of Ontario, the location of Flamboro Downs, racetracks are permitted to serve as landlord to VLT operations conducted by a government corporation. Under that arrangement, the racetrack retains 20% of the "net win" (slot machine revenues minus payout to slot players), with one-half of that amount distributed to the horsemen and the other half being retained by the racetrack owner. There can be no assurance as to how long this arrangement will continue, or, if it does, whether the terms will remain the same. Similarly, the Magna Racino™, located approximately 20 miles south of Vienna, Austria, serves as landlord to VLT operations conducted by a licensed casino operator. Under that arrangement, the racetrack retains 50% of the gross profit (excluding certain costs). This arrangement has an indefinite term (with a minimum 5 year term ending in September 2009) and is terminable by either party on 12 months prior notice. There can be no assurance as to how long this arrangement will continue, and if it does, whether the terms will remain the same.

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        A decline in the popularity of horse racing could adversely impact our business.

        The continued popularity of horse racing is important to our growth plans and our operating results. Our business plan anticipates our attracting new customers to our racetracks, off-track betting facilities and account wagering operations. Even if we are successful in making acquisitions and expanding and improving our current operations, we may not be able to attract a sufficient number of new customers to achieve our business plan. Public tastes are unpredictable and subject to change. Any decline in interest in horse racing or any change in public tastes may adversely affect our revenues and, therefore, our operating results.

        Declining on-track attendance and increasing competition in simulcasting may materially adversely affect our operating results.

        There has been a general decline in the number of people attending and wagering at live horse races at North American racetracks due to a number of factors, including increased competition from other forms of gaming, unwillingness of customers to travel a significant distance to racetracks and the increasing availability of off-track wagering. The declining attendance at live horse racing events has prompted racetracks to rely increasingly on revenues from inter-track, off-track and account wagering markets. The industry-wide focus on inter-track, off-track and account wagering markets has increased competition among racetracks for outlets to simulcast their live races. A continued decrease in attendance at live events and in on-track wagering, as well as increased competition in the inter-track, off-track and account wagering markets, could lead to a decrease in the amount wagered at our facilities and on races conducted at our racetracks and may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

        Our gaming activities are dependent on governmental regulation and approvals. Amendments to such regulation or the failure to obtain such approvals could adversely affect our business.

        All our pari-mutuel wagering operations are contingent upon the continued governmental approval of these operations as forms of legalized gaming. All our current gaming operations are subject to extensive governmental regulation and could be subjected at any time to additional or more restrictive regulation, or banned entirely.

        We may be unable to obtain, maintain or renew all governmental licenses, registrations, permits and approvals necessary for the operation of our pari-mutuel wagering and other gaming facilities. Licenses to conduct live horse racing and simulcast wagering must be obtained from each jurisdiction's regulatory authority, in many cases annually. In addition, licenses or approvals to conduct account wagering must be obtained in certain jurisdictions in which our account wagering customers reside, in many cases annually. The denial, loss or non-renewal of any of our licenses, registrations, permits or approvals may materially limit the number of races we conduct or the form or types of pari-mutuel wagering we offer, and could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, we currently devote significant financial and management resources to complying with the various governmental regulations to which our operations are subject. Any significant increase in governmental regulation would increase the amount of our resources devoted to governmental compliance, could substantially restrict our business, and could materially adversely affect our operating results.

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        Any future expansion of our gaming operations will likely require us to obtain additional governmental approvals or, in some cases, amendments to current laws governing such activities.

        The high degree of regulation in the gaming industry is a significant obstacle to our growth strategy, especially with respect to account wagering, including telephone, interactive television and Internet-based wagering. Account wagering may currently be conducted only through hubs or bases located in certain states. Our expansion opportunities in this area will be limited unless more states amend their laws to permit account wagering or, in the alternative, if states take action to make such activities unlawful. In addition, the licensing and legislative amendment processes can be both lengthy and costly, and we may not be successful in obtaining required licenses, registrations, permits and approvals.

        In the past, certain state attorneys general, district attorneys and other law enforcement officials have expressed concern over the legality of interstate account wagering. In December 2000, legislation was enacted in the United States that amends the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978. We believe that this amendment clarifies that inter-track simulcasting, off-track betting and account wagering, as currently conducted by the U.S. horse racing industry, are authorized under U.S. federal law. The amendment may not be interpreted in this manner by all concerned, however, and there may be challenges to these activities by both state and federal law enforcement authorities, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

        From time to time, the United States Congress has considered legislation that would either inhibit or restrict Internet gambling in general or inhibit or restrict the use of certain financial instruments, including credit cards, to provide funds for account wagering. For example, on June 13, 2003, the United States House of Representatives approved a bill in the form of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Funding Prohibition Act that, if enacted, would prohibit the use of credit cards, checks, electronic funds transfers and certain other funding methods for most forms of Internet gambling. The United States Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee adopted a different bill with a similar effect on August 31, 2003; however, neither this bill nor the House-passed version were considered by the full Senate before the end of the 2003-2004 Congressional session and therefore both bills expired. While each of these recent bills contained exemptions which we believe were intended at the very least to permit such funding for account wagering under certain conditions in states that authorize pari-mutuel account wagering, it is unclear whether and to what extent such exemptions will remain in any future Internet gambling funding bill that ultimately may be enacted, or the extent to which we will be able to utilize those exemptions with respect to our account wagering operations as currently conducted. Moreover, although it is difficult to predict the ultimate chances for passage of any given legislation, it is anticipated that legislation will continue to be introduced in the United States Congress or elsewhere that will seek to restrict, regulate or potentially ban altogether Internet gambling. Furthermore, even in the absence of legislation, certain financial institutions have begun to block the use of credit cards issued by them for Internet gambling, either voluntarily or as part of a settlement with the office of the Attorney General for New York. Legislation or actions of this nature, if enacted or implemented without providing for a meaningful exception to allow account wagering to be conducted as it is currently being conducted by the U.S. horse racing industry, could inhibit account wagering by restricting or prohibiting its use altogether or, at a minimum, by restricting or prohibiting the use of credit cards and other commonly used financial instruments to fund wagering accounts. If enacted or implemented, these or any other forms of legislation or practices restricting account wagering could cause our business and its growth to suffer.

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        Implementation of some of the recommendations of the National Gambling Impact Study Commission may harm our growth prospects.

        In August 1996, the United States Congress established the National Gambling Impact Study Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of the social and economic effects of the gambling industry in the United States. This commission reviewed existing federal, state and local policy and practices with respect to the legalization or prohibition of gambling activities with the aim of formulating and proposing changes in these policies and practices and recommending legislation and administrative actions for these proposed changes. On April 28, 1999, the commission voted to recommend that there be a pause in the expansion of gaming. On June 18, 1999, the commission issued a report setting out its findings and conclusions, together with recommendations for legislation and administrative actions. Some of the recommendations were:

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prohibiting Internet gambling that was not already authorized within the United States or among parties in the United States and any foreign jurisdiction;



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limiting the expansion of gambling into homes through such mediums as account wagering; and



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banning the introduction of casino-style gambling into pari-mutuel facilities for the primary purpose of saving a pari-mutuel facility that the market has determined no longer serves the community or for the purpose of competing with other forms of gaming.

        The recommendations made by the National Gambling Impact Study Commission could result in the enactment of new laws and/or the adoption of new regulations in the United States, which would materially adversely impact the gambling industry in the United States in general or our segment in particular and consequently may threaten our growth prospects.

        We face significant competition from other racetrack operators, including those in states where more extensive gaming options are authorized, which could hurt our operating results.

        We face significant competition in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate racetracks and we expect this competition to intensify as new racetrack operators enter our markets and existing competitors expand their operations and consolidate management of multiple racetracks. In addition, the introduction of legislation enabling slot machines or VLTs to be installed at racetracks in certain states allows those racetracks to increase their purses and compete more effectively with us for horse owners, trainers and customers. One of our competitors, Churchill Downs Inc., has been in operation for a much longer period of time than we have and may have greater name recognition. Competition from existing racetrack operators, as well as the addition of new competitors, may hurt our future performance and operating results.

        In addition, Florida tax laws have historically discouraged the three Miami-area horse racetracks, Gulfstream Park, Hialeah Park (which no longer hosts live racing) and Calder Race Course, from scheduling concurrent races. A change in the tax structure, effective as of July 1, 2001, has eliminated this deterrent. As a result, our Gulfstream Park racetrack may face direct competition from other Miami-area horse racetracks in the future. This competition could significantly affect the operating results of Gulfstream Park which could reduce our overall profitability.

        Competition from non-racetrack gaming operators may reduce the amount wagered at our facilities and materially adversely affect our operating results.

        We compete for customers with casinos, sports wagering services and other non-racetrack gaming operators, including government-sponsored lotteries, which benefit from numerous distribution channels, including supermarkets and convenience stores, as well as from frequent and extensive advertising campaigns. We do not enjoy the same access to the gaming public or possess the advertising resources that are available to government-sponsored lotteries as well as some of our other non-racetrack competitors, which may adversely affect our ability to compete effectively with them.

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        We currently face significant competition from Internet and other forms of account wagering, which may reduce our profitability.

        Internet and other account wagering gaming services allow their customers to wager on a wide variety of sporting events and casino games from home. The National Gambling Impact Study Commission's June 1999 report estimated that there were over 250 on-line casinos, 64 lotteries, 20 bingo games and 139 sports wagering services offering gambling over the Internet. Total industry-wide Internet gaming revenues are estimated to have grown from approximately $1.1 billion in 1999 to approximately $2.5 billion in 2001, according to Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. in its 2002-2003 North American Gaming Almanac, which also estimated 2002 total industry-wide Internet gaming revenues at $3.5 billion and projected a 2003 level of $4.2 billion. Although many on-line wagering services are operating from offshore locations in violation of U.S. law by accepting wagers from U.S. residents, they may divert wagering dollars from legitimate wagering venues such as our racetracks and account wagering operations. Moreover, our racetrack operations generally require greater ongoing capital expenditures in order to expand our business than the capital expenditures required by Internet and other account wagering gaming operators. Currently, we cannot offer the diverse gaming options provided by many Internet and other account wagering gaming operators and may face significantly greater costs in operating our business. Our inability to compete successfully with these operators could hurt our business.

        In addition, the market for account wagering is affected by changing technology. Our ability to anticipate such changes and to develop and introduce new and enhanced services on a timely basis will be a significant factor in our ability to expand, remain competitive and attract new customers.

        Expansion of gaming conducted by Native American groups may lead to increased competition in our industry, which may negatively impact our growth and profitability.

        In March 2000, the California state constitution was amended, resulting in the expansion of gaming activities permitted to be conducted by Native American groups in California. This has led to, and may continue to lead to increased competition and may have an adverse effect on the profitability of Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields and our future growth in California. It may also affect the purses that those tracks are able to offer and therefore adversely affect our ability to attract top horses.

        Several Native American groups in Florida have recently expressed interest in opening or expanding existing casinos in southern Florida, which could compete with Gulfstream Park and reduce its profitability.

        Moreover, other Native American groups may open or expand casinos in other regions of the country where we currently operate, or plan to operate, racetracks or other gaming operations. Any such competition from Native American groups could adversely affect our growth and profitability.

        Some jurisdictions view our operations primarily as a means of raising taxes, and therefore we are particularly vulnerable to additional or increased taxes and fees.

        We believe that the prospect of raising significant additional revenue through taxes and fees is one of the primary reasons that certain jurisdictions permit legalized gaming. As a result, gaming companies are typically subject to significant taxes and fees in addition to the normal federal, state, provincial and local income taxes, and such taxes and fees may be increased at any time. From time to time, legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, affecting the gaming industry. For instance, U.S. legislators have proposed the imposition of a U.S. federal tax on gross gaming revenues. It is not possible to determine with certainty the likelihood of any such changes in tax laws or their administration; however, if enacted, such changes could have a material adverse effect on our business.

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        Industry controversies could cause a decline in bettor confidence and result in changes to legislation, regulation, or industry practices of the horse racing industry, which could materially reduce the amount wagered on horse racing and increase our costs, and therefore adversely affect our revenue and operating results.

        The full impact on the horseracing industry of the 2002 Breeders' Cup Pick 6 controversy, which arose from fraudulent conduct in connection with certain Pick 6 wagers made on the 2002 Breeders' Cup hosted by Arlington Park in Chicago, Illinois, is still uncertain. Further negative publicity concerning the Pick 6 controversy, further negative information being discovered as a result of the FBI or any other investigation, and any negative information concerning the internal controls and security of totalisator systems may materially reduce the amount wagered on horse racing and the revenue and earnings of companies engaged in the horse racing industry, including us. The Pick 6 controversy has also caused the horse racing industry to focus on another area of bettor concern, late odds changes, which sometimes occur as odds updates in the totalisator system cause significant changes in the odds after a race has commenced.

        In January 2005, the FBI announced indictments against 17 individuals alleged to have been engaged in money laundering, tax evasion and an illegal gambling conspiracy, in each case arising out of incidents connected with the horseracing industry. Certain of the alleged criminal acts are purported to have occurred through the facilities of certain rebate wagering operations, known as "rebate shops", that commingle significant amounts of wagers into wager pools hosted by U.S. racetrack operators, including MEC. In addition, one of the indictments arises out of an alleged scheme of doping horses to enhance performance. None of the indictments accused any rebate shops or U.S. racetrack operators of wrongdoing, however, the full impact of this controversy is uncertain at this time.

        A perceived lack of integrity in U.S. horse racing operations or wagering systems could result in a decline in bettor confidence, and would likely lead to a decline in the amount wagered on horse racing. In addition, although we are taking steps to improve wagering systems, security and customer verification, the foregoing controversies may lead to changes in legislation, regulation or industry practices, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

        If we pay persons who place fraudulent "winning" wagers, we would remain liable to pay the holders of the proper winning wagers the full amount due to them.

        We may be subject to claims from customers for fraudulent "winning" wagers. If we paid those claims, we would remain liable to the holders of the proper winning wagers for the full amount due to them and would have the responsibility to attempt to recover the money that we paid on the fraudulent claims. We may not be able to recover that money, which would adversely affect our operating results.

        Our operating results fluctuate seasonally and may be impacted by a reduction in live racing dates due to regulatory factors.

        We experience significant fluctuations in quarterly operating results due to the seasonality associated with the racing schedules at our racetracks. Generally, our revenues from racetrack operations are greater in the first quarter of the calendar year than in any other quarter. We have a limited number of live racing dates at each of our racetracks and the number of live racing dates varies somewhat from year to year. The allocation of live racing dates in most of the jurisdictions in which we operate is subject to regulatory approval from year to year and, in any given year, we may not receive the same or more racing dates than we have had in prior years. We are also faced with the prospect that competing racetracks may seek to have some of our historical dates allocated to them. A significant decrease in the number of our live racing dates would reduce our revenues and cause our business to suffer.

        Unfavorable weather conditions may result in a reduction in the number of races we hold.

        Since horse racing is conducted outdoors, unfavorable weather conditions, including extremely high or low temperatures, excessive precipitation, storms or hurricanes, may cause races to be cancelled or may reduce attendance and wagering. Since a substantial portion of our operating expenses is fixed, a reduction in the number of races held or the number of horses racing due to unfavorable weather would reduce our revenues and cause our business to suffer.

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        We provide management services to Colonial Downs and Maroñas pursuant to management contracts which are dependent on third party actions and events over which we have limited control.

        The revenues that we receive from our operations in Virginia through the management of the Colonial Downs race meets and pari-mutuel wagering system are highly dependent on the business strategy of Colonial Downs, over which we have limited control. Moreover, our Virginia operations are highly dependent on Colonial Downs' ability to maintain the owner's and operator's licenses issued to it by the Virginia Racing Commission, over which we have limited control. In addition, our management contract with Colonial Downs provides for a one-half reduction in the management fee we receive if and to the extent that non-pari-mutuel gaming activities become authorized and are conducted by us in Maryland but are not authorized and conducted in Virginia.

        The revenues that we receive by providing management services to Maroñas, a thoroughbred racetrack in Montevideo, Uruguay, are somewhat dependent on the business strategy of Maroñas, over which we have limited control. These revenues are also highly dependent on Maroñas' ability to maintain licenses and permits pursuant to which it operates under the law of Uruguay and over which we have limited control.

        The profitability of our racetracks is partially dependent upon the size of the local horse population in the areas in which our racetracks are located.

        Horse population is a factor in a racetrack's profitability because it generally affects the average number of horses (i.e., the average "field size") that run in races. Larger field sizes generally mean increased wagering and higher wagering revenues due to a number of factors, including the availability of exotic bets (such as "exacta" and "trifecta" wagers). Various factors have led to declines in the horse population in certain areas of the country, including competition from racetracks in other areas, increased costs and changing economic returns for owners and breeders, and Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome, which caused a large number of mares in Kentucky to sustain late term abortions or early embryonic loss in 2001. If we are unable to attract horse owners to stable and race their horses at our tracks by offering a competitive environment, including improved facilities, well-maintained racetracks, better living conditions for backstretch personnel involved in the care and training of horses stabled at our tracks, and a competitive purse structure, our profitability could decrease.

        We depend on agreements with our horsemen's industry associations to operate our business.

        The U.S. Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978, as well as various state racing laws, require that, in order to simulcast races and, in some cases conduct live racing, we have written agreements with the horsemen at our racetracks, who are represented by industry associations. In some jurisdictions, if we fail to maintain operative agreements with the industry associations, we may not be permitted to conduct live racing or simulcasting at tracks or account wagering from hubs located within those jurisdictions. In addition, our simulcasting agreements are generally subject to the approval of the industry associations. Should we fail to renew existing agreements with the industry associations on satisfactory terms or fail to obtain approval for new simulcast agreements, we would lose revenues and our operating results would suffer.

        If we are unable to continue to negotiate satisfactory union contracts, some of our employees may commence a strike. A strike by our employees or a work stoppage by backstretch personnel, who are employed by horse owners and trainers, may lead to lost revenues and could have a material adverse effect on our business.

        As of December 31, 2004, we employed approximately 5,300 employees, approximately 3,000 of whom were represented by unions. A strike or other work stoppage by our employees could lead to lost revenues and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

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        Legislation enacted in California in 2002 could facilitate the organization of backstretch personnel in that state. A strike by backstretch personnel could, even though they are not our employees, lead to lost revenues and therefore adversely affect our operating results.

        An earthquake in California could interrupt our operations at Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields, which would adversely impact our cash flow from these racetracks.

        Two of our largest racetracks, Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields, are located in California and are therefore subject to greater earthquake risks than our other operations. We do not maintain significant earthquake insurance on the structures at our California racetracks. We maintain fire insurance for fire risks, including those resulting from earthquakes, subject to policy limits and deductibles. There can be no assurance that earthquakes or the fires often caused by earthquakes will not seriously damage our California racetracks and related properties or that the recoverable amount of insurance proceeds will be sufficient to fully cover reconstruction costs and other losses. If an uninsured or underinsured loss occurs, we could lose anticipated revenue and cash flow from our California racetracks.

Our business depends on providers of totalisator services.

        In purchasing and selling our pari-mutuel wagering products, our customers depend on information provided by each of the three main totalisator companies operating in North America, including Amtote International, Inc. in which we own a 30% equity interest. These totalisator companies provide the computer systems that accumulate wagers, record sales, calculate payoffs and display wagering data. The loss of any of the totalisator companies as a provider of these critical services would decrease competition in the market for those services and could result in an increase in the cost to obtain them. Additionally, the failure of the totalisator companies to keep their technology current could limit our ability to serve customers effectively, develop new forms of wagering, or ensure a sufficient level of wagering security. Because of the highly specialized nature of these services, replicating these totalisator services would be expensive.

A decline in general economic conditions could adversely affect our business.

        Our operations are affected by general economic conditions, and therefore our future success is unpredictable. The demand for entertainment and leisure activities tends to be highly sensitive to consumers' disposable incomes, and thus a decline in general economic conditions may lead to our customers having less discretionary income to wager on horse racing. In 2002, 2003 and 2004, weak economics in certain states in which we operate had a negative impact on our operating results and if the economy deteriorates further, the consequent reduction in our revenues could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Real Estate Ownership and Development Risks

        Our ownership and development of real estate is subject to risks and may involve significant ongoing expenditures or losses that could adversely affect our operating results.

        All real estate investments are subject to risks including: general economic conditions, such as the availability and cost of financing; local real estate conditions, such as an oversupply of residential, office, retail or warehousing space, or a reduction in demand for real estate in the area; governmental regulation, including taxation of property and environmental legislation; and the attractiveness of properties to potential purchasers or tenants. The real estate industry is also capital intensive and sensitive to interest rates. Further, significant expenditures, including property taxes, mortgage payments, maintenance costs, insurance costs and related charges, must be made throughout the period of ownership of real property, which expenditures may negatively impact our operating results.

        We may not be able to sell or otherwise monetize some of our non-core real estate, excess racing real estate and revenue-producing non-racing real estate when we need to or at the price we want, which may materially adversely affect our financial condition.

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        At times, it may be difficult for us to dispose of or otherwise monetize some of our non-core real estate, excess racing real estate and revenue-producing non-racing real estate. The costs of holding real estate may be high and we may be faced with ongoing expenditures with little prospect of earning revenue on our non-core real estate and excess racing real estate properties. If we have inadequate cash reserves or credit facilities, we may have to dispose of properties at prices that are substantially below the prices we desire, and in some cases, below the prices we originally paid for the properties, which may materially adversely affect our financial condition and our growth plans.

        We require governmental approvals for some of our properties which may take a long time to obtain or which may not be granted, either of which could materially adversely affect our existing business or our growth.

        Some of our properties will require zoning and other approvals from local government agencies. The process of obtaining these approvals may take many months and we might not obtain the necessary approvals. Furthermore, in the case of certain land to be held by us in Aurora, Ontario, the transfer of this land to us from the registered owner is conditional on our obtaining permission to sever the land from adjoining properties and other approvals. If we do not obtain these approvals, we may not ultimately acquire this land. Holding costs, while regulatory approvals are being sought, and delays may render a project economically unfeasible. If we do not obtain all of our necessary approvals, our plans, growth and profitability could be materially adversely affected.

        Redevelopment projects at our racetracks may result in a write down of the value of certain assets and have caused and may continue to cause temporary disruptions of our racing operations.

        We have completed the redevelopment of the racing surfaces and have commenced the redevelopment of the grandstand and backstretch facilities at Gulfstream Park in Florida. We have also just completed the redevelopment of the dirt racing surfaces and are in the process of redeveloping the turf track at Laurel Park. These redevelopments resulted in writedowns in 2004 of $26.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The redevelopment at Gulfstream Park has resulted in a racing meet using temporary facilities for 2005 and the re-opening of Laurel Park for its 2004 - 2005 meet was delayed due to construction delays, which also resulted in a loss of a number of racing days. We have deferred a decision on the proposed redevelopment of the entire stable area at Laurel Park in Maryland. We are also considering a redevelopment of the grandstand at The Meadows in Pennsylvania in connection with the proposed slot facility, if approved. Any redevelopment would require the demolition of a substantial portion of the current buildings and related structures. The aggregate carrying value of these assets as of December 31, 2004 is $3.1 million and $8.3 million, respectively. If we decide to proceed with a redevelopment of the stables at Laurel Park or the grandstand at The Meadows and obtain the approval of our board of directors, a reduction in the expected life of the existing assets would occur and a write-down would be necessary.

        If we proceed with either redevelopment, we would schedule the project to minimize any interference with the racing season. However, with any project of this magnitude, there is a significant risk of a temporary disruption of our operations during a racing season, resulting in a reduction of the revenues and earnings generated at the racetrack under redevelopment.

        We may not be able to complete expansion projects successfully and on time, which would materially adversely affect our growth and our operating results.

        We intend to further develop our racetracks and expand our gaming activities. Numerous factors, including regulatory and financial constraints, could cause us to alter, delay or abandon our existing plans. If we proceed to develop new facilities or enhance our existing facilities, we face numerous risks that could require substantial changes to our plans. These risks include the inability to secure all required permits and the failure to resolve potential land use issues, as well as risks typically associated with any construction project, including possible shortages of materials or skilled labor, unforeseen engineering or environmental problems, delays and work stoppages, weather interference and unanticipated cost overruns. For example, Santa Anita Park completed certain upgrades to its facilities in 1999. The disruption caused by these upgrades was greater than anticipated and reduced the total amount wagered at Santa Anita Park's simulcast wagering facilities and attendance at The Oak Tree Meet in 1999. In addition, we encountered delays in the rebuilding of the racetrack surfaces at Laurel Park, which resulted in a late re-opening of Laurel Park for its 2004 - 2005 meet and a loss of certain race dates. Even if completed in a timely manner, our expansion projects may not be successful, which would affect our growth and could have a material adverse effect on our future profitability.

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        We face strict environmental regulation and may be subject to liability for environmental damage, which could materially adversely affect our financial results.

        We are subject to a wide range of requirements under environmental laws and regulations relating to waste water discharge, waste management and storage of hazardous substances. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations can, in some circumstances, require significant capital expenditures. Moreover, violations can result in significant penalties and, in some cases, interruption or cessation of operations. For example, we were involved in a dispute with the United States Environmental Protection Agency involving the Portland Meadows racetrack, which caused us to postpone the planned opening of the 2001-2002 meet at that facility on September 1, 2001 and also to conclude the 2001-2002 meet early, on February 10, 2002.

        Furthermore, we may not have all required environmental permits and we may not otherwise be in compliance with all applicable environmental requirements. Where we do not have an environmental permit but one may be required, we will determine if one is in fact required and, if so, will seek to obtain one and address any related compliance issues, which may require significant capital expenditures.

        Various environmental laws and regulations in the United States, Canada and Europe impose liability on us as a current or previous owner and manager of real property, for the cost of maintenance, removal and remediation of hazardous substances released or deposited on or in properties now or previously owned or managed by us or disposed of in other locations. Our ability to sell properties with hazardous substance contamination or to borrow money using that property as collateral may also be uncertain.

        Changes to environmental laws and regulations, resulting in more stringent terms of compliance, or the enactment of new environmental legislation, could expose us to additional liabilities and ongoing expenses.

        Any of these environmental issues could have a material adverse effect on our business. See "— Environmental Matters".

Risks Relating to Our Securities

        Our stock price may be volatile, and future issuances or sales of our stock may decrease our stock price.

        The trading price of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock has experienced, and may continue to experience, substantial volatility. The following factors have had, and may continue to have, a significant effect on the market price of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock:

•

our historical and anticipated operating results;



•

the announcement of new wagering and gaming opportunities by us or our competitors;



•

the passage or anticipated passage of legislation affecting horse racing or gaming;



•

developments affecting the horse racing or gaming industries generally;



•

sales or other issuances or the perception of potential sales or issuances, including in connection with our past and future acquisitions, of substantial amounts of our shares. We have an effective shelf registration statement outstanding that permits us to sell up to $300,000,000 of certain types of debt and/or equity securities. As of March 9, 2005, we have not sold any securities registered under this shelf registration statement;

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•

sales or the expectation of sales by MI Developments Inc. of a portion of our shares held by it, or by our other significant stockholders; and



•

a shift in investor interest away from the gaming industry, in general.

        These factors could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock and other securities, regardless of our financial condition and operating results.

        The trading price of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock could decrease as a result of our issuing additional shares as consideration for future acquisitions.

        We may issue our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock as full or partial consideration in connection with future acquisitions. To the extent that we do so, the percentage of our common equity and voting stock that our existing stockholders own will decrease and, particularly if such acquisitions do not contribute proportionately to our profitability, the trading price of our shares may also decrease.

        Sales of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock by MI Developments Inc. or by certain other of our significant stockholders under our registration statements could depress our stock price.

        As of March 9, 2005, MI Developments Inc. owns, directly or indirectly, 4,362,328 shares of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock and 58,466,056 shares of our Class B Stock (which are convertible into shares of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock on a one-for-one basis). In addition, we have an effective registration statement that permits the secondary sale of shares of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock by some of our stockholders who received those shares in connection with our past acquisitions. A total of 4,793,043 shares were initially registered pursuant to that registration statement. In December 2002, we issued $75.0 million aggregate principal amount on 7¹/4% Convertible Notes due December 15, 2009 that are convertible into 8,823,529 shares of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock (subject to certain adjustments). We also have an effective registration statement covering up to 21,276,595 shares of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock issuable upon the conversion of $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 8.55% Convertible Subordinated Notes due June 15, 2010. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock, either by MI Developments Inc. or upon conversion of our Convertible Notes could depress the prevailing market price of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock.

We have no current plans to pay dividends and may never pay dividends.

        We have not paid any dividends to date on our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock and we do not anticipate declaring or paying cash dividends until we generate after-tax profits, if ever. See "Dividends and Dividend Policy".

Our debt securities are subject to risks associated with debt financing.

        Our debt securities are subject to the following risks associated with debt financing:

•

the risk that cash flow from operations will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest;



•

the risk that, to the extent that we maintain floating rate indebtedness, interest rates will fluctuate; and



•

risks resulting from the fact that the indentures or other agreements governing our debt securities and credit facilities may contain covenants imposing certain limitations on our ability to acquire and dispose of assets and otherwise conduct and finance our business.

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        In addition, although we anticipate that we will be able to repay or refinance any indebtedness that we incur when it matures, we may not be able to do so, and the terms of any refinancings of our indebtedness may not be favorable to us. Our leverage may have important consequences including the following:

•

our ability to obtain additional financing for acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures or other purposes may be impaired, or such financing may not be available on terms favorable to us;



•

a substantial decrease in our operating cash flow or an increase in our expenses could make it difficult for us to meet our debt service requirements and force us to modify our operations; and



•

our higher level of debt and resulting interest expense may place us at a competitive disadvantage with respect to a competitor with lower amounts of indebtedness and/or higher credit ratings.

Item 2.    Properties

        Information concerning properties required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information contained in "Item 1. Business" of this Report.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

        From time to time, various routine claims incidental to our business are made against us. None of these claims has had, and we believe that none of the current claims, if successful, will have, a material adverse effect upon our business.

        In connection with MI Developments Inc.'s intention to make an unsolicited offer to acquire all of our outstanding shares of Class A Subordinate Voting Stock not already owned by it, six lawsuits were filed, and are currently pending against, among others, us, MI Developments Inc. and/or one or more of MI Developments and our directors as follows:

1.

Weisz v. Campbell, et al., filed on July 13, 2004 in the Delaware Chancery Court.



2.

Bedford v. Magna Entertainment Corp., et al., filed on July 13, 2004 in the Delaware Chancery Court.



3.

Pill, et al v. Jerry D. Campbell, et al., filed on July 14, 2004 in the Delaware Chancery Court.



4.

Alaska Electrical Pension Fund v. Magna Entertainment Corp., et al., filed on July 22, 2004 in the Delaware Chancery Court.



5.

Cronk, et al. v. Campbell, et al., filed on July 22, 2004 in the Delaware Chancery Court.



6.

Tolwin v. Frank Stronach, et al., filed on July 30, 2004 in the Superior Court, State of California, County of Los Angeles.

        Each of these lawsuits seeks injunctive relief to stop any proposed acquisition of our outstanding Class A Subordinate Voting Stock by MI Developments Inc. and, in certain cases, damages if such transaction is completed as proposed by MI Developments Inc.

        All of the Delaware actions were consolidated by order dated August 30, 2004.

        As a result of the announcement by MI Developments Inc. on September 16, 2004, of its withdrawal of the offer, we believe that the lawsuits are moot and should be dismissed. On October 1, 2004, the plaintiffs in the previously announced class action lawsuit in California captioned Feldman v. Magna Entertainment Corp. et al, filed a notice of dismissal of this action with the Superior Court, State of California, County of Los Angeles. We intend to seek a dismissal of the Delaware cases and the remaining California case, however, the plaintiffs in these proceedings may oppose any motion for dismissal.

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Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        No matter was submitted to a vote of our stockholders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Report.

Part II

Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Trading History

        Our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock is listed and traded on the Nasdaq National Market ("Nasdaq") under the symbol "MECA" and listed and traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") under the symbol "MEC.SV.A". On November 17, 2004, MEC announced a change in its stock symbol on the "TSX" from "MEC.A" to "MEC.SV.A" as a result of a new symbol naming convention adopted by the TSX. The stock symbol for the Class A Subordinate Voting Stock on Nasdaq was not affected by this change. Class A Subordinate Voting Stock commenced trading on Nasdaq on February 23, 2000 and closed at a price of $3.06 per share, and on the TSX on February 23, 2000 where it closed at a price of Cdn. $4.60 per share. The following table sets forth for the calendar periods indicated the high and low sale prices per share of the Class A Subordinate Voting Stock as reported by Nasdaq and the TSX.

        On March 9, 2005, the last sale price of the Class A Subordinate Voting Stock as reported by Nasdaq was $6.54 and by the TSX was Cdn. $7.84.

        Our Class B Stock is unlisted and not actively traded.

        The number of securityholders of record as of March 9, 2005 was as follows: Class A Subordinate Voting Stock: 595 Class B Stock: two.

Dividends and Dividend Policy

        We have never declared or paid dividends on our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock or Class B Stock and we do not anticipate declaring or paying cash dividends until we generate after-tax profits, if ever. The holders of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock and our Class B Stock are entitled to receive their proportionate share of dividends declared by our board of directors, except in the case of certain stock dividends. Any dividends will be declared on our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock and Class B Stock in accordance with our restated certificate of incorporation, including our Corporate Constitution, which sets forth certain dividend entitlements for our stockholders if we generate after-tax profits, subject to applicable law.

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Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

        None.

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

        The following tables set forth our selected consolidated financial and operating data for the periods indicated. The selected consolidated financial and operating data as at and for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 have been derived from and should be read in conjunction with our audited Consolidated Financial Statements as at and for the years ended December 31, 2000 (as filed with our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000), December 31, 2001 (as filed with our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001), December 31, 2002 (as filed with our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002), December 31, 2003 (as filed with our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003) and December 31, 2004 (included in this Report). The selected financial and operating information should also be read in conjunction with the section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Position" included in this Annual Report.

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share figures)

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(1)

We prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP.

(2)

"EBITDA" is not intended to represent cash flows or results of operations in accordance with U.S. GAAP. EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled amounts reported by other companies. See "GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for a cautionary disclosure and the reconciliation of EBITDA to our consolidated financial statements.

(3)

Capital expenditures include both maintenance and strategic capital expenditures less the cost of real estate acquired.

(4)

Total debt includes bank indebtedness, long-term debt (including long-term debt due within one year), long-term debt due to parent and convertible subordinate notes.

GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures

        We evaluate the operating and financial performance of our business using several measures, including revenue, EBITDA (defined as income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), income (loss) before income taxes, net income (loss) and diluted earnings (loss) per share. We measure and present EBITDA because it is a measure that is widely used by analysts and investors in evaluating our operating performance. This measure should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for or superior to, other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

        The following table reconciles our non-GAAP financial measures to the accompanying financial statements:

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Financial Measures

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        The following discussion of our results of operations and financial position should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004.

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Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        The following discussion of our results of operations and financial position should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Overview

        Magna Entertainment Corp. ("MEC", "we" or the "Company") owns and operates horse racetracks in California, Florida, Maryland, Texas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Oregon, Ontario, Canada and Ebreichsdorf, Austria. Based on revenues, MEC is North America's number one owner and operator of horse racetracks, and is one of the world's leading suppliers, via simulcasting, of live racing content to the growing inter-track, off-track and account wagering markets. Throughout 2004, we operated or managed twelve thoroughbred racetracks, two standardbred (harness racing) racetracks, two racetracks that run both thoroughbred and standardbred meets and one greyhound track, as well as the simulcast wagering venues at these tracks. Subsequent to December 31, 2004, we have ceased operations at one of our thoroughbred racetracks and at our only greyhound track. These were operations in leased facilities and the leases were not renewed for 2005. In addition, we operate off-track betting ("OTB") facilities, a United States national account wagering business known as XpressBet®, which permits customers to place wagers by telephone and over the Internet on horse races at over 100 North American racetracks and internationally on races in Australia, South Africa and Dubai and a European account wagering service known as MagnaBet™. We also own and operate HorseRacing TV™ ("HRTV™"), a television network focused on horse racing that we initially launched on the Racetrack Television Network ("RTN"). We are in ongoing discussions with cable and satellite operators with the goal of achieving broader distribution for HRTV™. In July 2004, HRTV™ entered into a carriage agreement with the operator of the Dish Network™ which dramatically expanded HRTV™'s distribution throughout the United States. HRTV™ is currently distributed to more than 11 million cable and satellite TV subscribers. RTN, in which we have a minority interest, was formed to telecast races from our racetracks and other racetracks, via private direct to home satellite, to paying subscribers. In 2004, we launched RaceONTV™ in Europe to provide North American racing content from our racetracks and other U.S. racetracks that have agreed to participate in our international distribution network to locations outside North America. We also own a 30% equity interest in AmTote International, Inc., a provider of totalisator services to the pari-mutuel industry. To support certain of our thoroughbred racetracks, we own and operate thoroughbred training centers situated near San Diego, California, in Palm Beach County, Florida and in the Baltimore, Maryland area. We also own and operate production facilities in Austria and in North Carolina for StreuFex™, a straw-based horse bedding product.

        In addition to our racetracks, we own a significant real estate portfolio, which includes two golf courses and related recreational facilities as well as three residential developments in various stages of development in Austria, the United States and Canada. We are also working with potential developers and strategic partners for the development of leisure and entertainment or retail-based real estate projects on the excess land surrounding, or adjacent to, certain of our premier racetracks. We have entered into a predevelopment management agreement with Forest City Enterprises, Inc. with respect to the planned development of "The Village at Gulfstream Park™", an 80-acre, mixed-use retail, entertainment and residential project at Gulfstream Park. While we are exploring the development of some of our real estate,

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we intend to continue to sell our remaining Non-Core Real Estate (which had a book value of $2.5 million as of December 31, 2004) and may also sell our residential developments and certain other real estate in order to generate additional capital for our racing business.

        The amounts described below are based on our consolidated financial statements, which we prepare in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

2004 Developments and Initiatives

        Initiatives related to the passage of legislation permitting alternative gaming at racetracks, such as slot machines, video lottery terminals and other forms of non-pari-mutuel gaming, are actively underway in a number of states in which we operate. The passage of such legislation can be a long and uncertain process. In addition, should alternative gaming legislation be enacted in any jurisdiction, there are a number of factors which will determine the viability and profitability of such an operation at one of our racetracks. These factors include, without limitation, the income or revenue sharing terms contained in the legislation and applicable licenses, the conditions governing the operation of the gaming facility, the number, size and location of the other sites which are licensed to offer alternative gaming in competition with us, the availability of financing on acceptable terms and the provisions of any ongoing agreements with the parties from whom we purchased the racetrack in question. Alternative gaming legislation has passed in each of Pennsylvania and Oklahoma during the past year and there is a pending legislative initiative active in Florida.

        The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act was passed and signed into legislation in July 2004. This legislation authorizes the granting of slot machine licenses to up to seven Category 1 licensed facilities (i.e. racetracks) and up to five Category 2 licensed facilities (i.e. non-tracks), along with limited licenses to up to two Category 3 licensed facilities (i.e. resort hotels). Those racetracks and non-track facilities which successfully apply for slot machine licenses will be permitted to operate between 1,500 and 3,000 slot machines each, subject to future expansion of up to 2,000 additional machines per facility upon the approval of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board ("PGCB"). The licensed resort facilities will be permitted to operate, on a limited basis, up to 500 machines each.

        Each racetrack slot machine licensee in Pennsylvania will be required to pay 34% of its daily gross revenues from gaming less all monetary payouts ("Gross Terminal Revenues") to the State Gaming Fund, 4% of its Gross Terminal Revenues as a local share assessment, 5% of its Gross Terminal Revenues to the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund and a maximum of 12% of its Gross Terminal Revenues to a pool (the "Horsemen Pool") for distribution to each racetrack's horsemen, in the form of purses and other awards. Non-track and resort facilities will be bound to make the same percentage distributions but, since they do not conduct horse racing, they will contribute to the Horsemen Pool that portion of their Gross Terminal Revenues which is equal, on a pro rata basis, to the amount contributed to the Horsemen Pool by Category 1 licensees. The Horsemen Pool will then be allocated among the horsemen at each of the Category 1 licensed facilities, with the intention of providing payments to the horsemen at each racetrack, which are equivalent to 18% of that track's Gross Terminal Revenues.

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        All racetrack licensees offering slot machines in Pennsylvania must pay an upfront fee of $50.0 million and will be required to commit a minimum of $5.0 million over a five year period, and a minimum of $0.25 million annually for five years thereafter, for improvements and maintenance of its backstretch. The legalization of alternative gaming at Pennsylvania racetracks is anticipated to have a significant positive impact on purses and on the Pennsylvania horse racing industry in general. We intend to pursue an application for a slot machine license at The Meadows, our racetrack in the Pittsburgh area, in accordance with the requirements of the legislation and associated regulations without delay. The PGCB, created under the legislation to implement and oversee licensee gaming operations, has been fully constituted but has not yet released the operating regulations or form of licensee application. We are closely monitoring this process and will be in a position to pursue our application as soon as the PGCB permits.

        The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act has been subjected to legal challenge by various groups, a move that was not unanticipated at the time of the passage of this legislation. These legal challenges are currently in the courts and are being vigorously defended by both the State of Pennsylvania and interested industry representatives.

        Under new legislation that was approved by the citizens of the State of Oklahoma in a referendum held on November 2, 2004, Remington Park, our Oklahoma City racetrack, will be permitted, subject to licensing, to operate 650 electronic gaming machines, subject to increases of an additional 50 machines in each of the third and fifth years after the issuance of the applicable license. One of the pre-conditions to Remington Park's right to operate gaming machines under the new legislation was the ratification of a model tribal-state gaming compact by at least four Oklahoma Native American tribes which has now occurred. The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission ("OHRC") is empowered under the legislation to oversee licensees' applications and operations and continues to work on the form of regulations and applications it will require. We intend to closely monitor this process and to be in a position to pursue our license application as soon as the OHRC permits.

        On November 2, 2004, Amendment 4 to the Florida State Constitution was approved, permitting the governing bodies of Broward and Miami-Dade counties to each hold a county-wide referendum on whether to authorize slot machines within existing, licensed pari-mutuel facilities that have conducted live racing during each of the last two years. The referendum was scheduled for vote in Broward County, where Gulfstream Park is located, on March 8, 2005. Based on preliminary unofficial results on March 9, 2005 from the Broward County Supervisor of Elections, voters in Broward County have approved the referendum question by majority vote, which means that slot machines are authorized at qualifying pari-mutuel facilities in Broward County, subject to the enactment of applicable legislation and licensing. Pursuant to Amendment 4, the state legislature is now required to adopt implementing legislation in the next regular legislative session, with an effective date no later than July 1, 2005. We have entered into an agreement with Broward County,

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identical in principal terms to agreements entered into by the three other pari-mutuel facilities in that County, that contains, among other things, provision for payment to the County of 1.5% of Gross Terminal Revenues up to a level of $250.0 million of Gross Terminal Revenues and 2.0% on Gross Terminal Revenues in excess. If the Broward County referendum is approved and officially certified, we are required to enter into an agreement with the city in which Gulfstream Park is located, Hallandale Beach, providing for, among other things, a payment of a percentage of Gross Terminal Revenues to that city. In 2004, we committed $2.5 million to the advancement of the state-wide referendum campaign and in 2005, we have committed up to an additional $3.0 million to the county referendum and state legislative campaigns.

        The redevelopment of Gulfstream Park commenced in 2004. The project includes significant modifications and enhancements to the racing surfaces and stable area, including the construction of a new, wider turf course. It also includes the construction of a modern clubhouse/grandstand offering an array of restaurants and entertainment facilities. The capital budget for the redevelopment of Gulfstream Park is approximately $145 million, which we are partially financing through a $115 million construction loan from our parent company, MI Developments Inc. ("MID") (see "Working Capital, Cash and Other Resources" below). Our goal is to minimize the disruption to the 2005 Gulfstream Park race meet during the construction period. To that end, the new racing surfaces were completed prior to the start of the 2005 meet. However, since the project entails the demolition of a substantial portion of the current buildings and related structures, temporary facilities have been erected to house the 2005 meet. The new clubhouse/grandstand facility is expected to be operational for the 2006 Gulfstream Park race meet. Although the redevelopment is being scheduled to minimize any interference with Gulfstream Park's racing season, with a project of this magnitude, there will be a temporary disruption of Gulfstream Park's operations during the 2005 meet and there is a risk that the redevelopment will not be completed according to schedule. Any interference with the racing operations during the meet would result in a reduction in the revenues and earnings generated at Gulfstream Park during that meet.

        The redevelopment of the racing surfaces at Laurel Park also commenced in 2004. The project includes significant modifications and enhancements to the racing surfaces, including the construction of a new, wider turf course. As a result of the redevelopment, Laurel Park's 2004 summer meet, which ran from July 31, 2004 to August 27, 2004, and the fall meet, which ran from November 4, 2004 to December 31, 2004, were moved to Pimlico Race Course. The new dirt track was completed in January 2005 and the new turf track is scheduled to be completed prior to the start of Laurel Park's 2005 summer meet, which commences on August 6, 2005. We are also considering a redevelopment of the entire stable area at Laurel Park. In the event that we proceed with this redevelopment as currently contemplated, it would include the construction of new barns, dormitories and grooms' quarters. The aggregate carrying value at December 31, 2004 of the assets that would be demolished if this redevelopment is completed is approximately $3.1 million. If we decide to proceed with this redevelopment and obtain the approval of our Board of Directors, a reduction in the expected life of the existing assets would occur and a write-down would be necessary. If we proceed, the project would be scheduled to minimize any interference with Laurel Park's racing season, however, with a project of this magnitude, there would likely be a temporary disruption to Laurel Park's operations during the racing season and there is a risk that the redevelopment would not be completed according to schedule. Any interference with the racing operations would result in a reduction in the revenues and earnings generated at Laurel Park during that season.

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        We are also considering a redevelopment of the clubhouse/grandstand at The Meadows. In the event that we obtain a slot machine license for The Meadows and this development were to proceed as currently contemplated, it would include the construction of a new clubhouse/grandstand with a facility to house slot machines. The aggregate carrying value at December 31, 2004 of the assets that would be demolished if this redevelopment is completed is approximately $8.3 million. If we decide to proceed with this redevelopment and obtain the approval of our Board of Directors, a reduction in the expected life of the existing assets would occur and a write-down would be necessary. If we proceed, our goal would be to minimize any interference with The Meadows' operations, however, with a project of this magnitude, there would likely be a temporary disruption of The Meadows' operations and there is a risk that the redevelopment would not be completed according to schedule. Any interference with the racing operations would result in a reduction in the revenues and earnings generated at The Meadows.

        The Maryland Jockey Club is a party to an agreement (the "Maryland Operating Agreement") with Cloverleaf Enterprises, Inc., the current owner of Rosecroft Raceway, a standardbred track located in Prince George's County in Maryland. The Maryland Operating Agreement replaced a previous agreement (the "Maryland Revenue Sharing Agreement"), which was effective as of January 1, 2000 and expired on April 18, 2004. The Maryland Operating Agreement has been in effect since June 9, 2004 and expires on April 30, 2005, unless extended by all parties. Under the Maryland Operating Agreement, the parties have agreed to make a good faith effort to reach a long-term agreement on cross-breed simulcasting and OTB facilities in the State of Maryland. Without an arrangement similar in effect to the Maryland Revenue Sharing Agreement or the Maryland Operating Agreement, there would be a material decline in the revenues, earnings and purses of The Maryland Jockey Club. At this time, we are uncertain as to the likelihood of a renewal of this agreement on comparable terms.

        In connection with its acquisition of a controlling interest in The Maryland Jockey Club, Maryland Racing, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, agreed with the Maryland Racing Commission to spend a minimum of $5.0 million by August 31, 2003, an additional $5.0 million by December 31, 2003, and an additional $5.0 million by June 30, 2004 on capital expenditures and renovations at Pimlico Race Course, Laurel Park, Bowie Training Center and their related facilities and operations. The commitment was fulfilled by December 31, 2004.

        We believe that the European marketplace offers significant potential growth for the export of MEC's horse racing. RaceONTV™ is our new service, based near Vienna, Austria, that offers simultaneous broadcasts of North American horse races and other racing content directly to wagering operations located outside of North America. RaceONTV™ commenced operations during the first quarter of 2004. On April 4, 2004, we opened our newest racetrack, Magna Racino™, near Vienna, Austria. We anticipate hosting 50 days of live racing annually at the Magna Racino™ in a mixed thoroughbred and standardbred meet. On September 4, 2004, a gaming facility at the Magna Racino™ was opened, which includes an entertainment venue, as well as alternative gaming and a race and sports book operated by third parties under commission-based agreements with us.

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        In October 2003, we signed a Letter of Intent to explore the possibility of a joint venture between Forest City Enterprises, Inc., ("Forest City") and various MEC affiliates anticipating the ownership and development of a portion of the Gulfstream Park racetrack. In April 2004, we signed a Pre-Development Management Agreement which governs the activities of the parties and obligates the parties to work together to plan, design, entitle, pre-lease, contract to construct and finance a project. The Agreement also contemplates a conceptual development and business plan for the project. Upon execution of this Agreement, Forest City paid $1 million to MEC in consideration for their right to work exclusively with MEC on this project and to secure the performance of their obligations under the Agreement. Forest City and MEC then collectively developed a Business Plan that upon completion, Forest City provided an additional $1 million to MEC. These two deposits have been reflected as other accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Under certain conditions, these deposits may be refundable to Forest City. Under the terms of the Letter of Intent and also the Pre-Development Management Agreement, MEC may be responsible for additional equity contributions, however to December 31, 2004, we have not made any such contributions.

        In April 2004, we signed a Letter of Intent to explore the possibility of joint ventures between Caruso Affiliates Holdings and various MEC affiliates to develop certain undeveloped lands surrounding our Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields racetracks. Upon execution of this Letter of Intent, we deposited $200,000 into a joint account to be used for the purpose of co-funding the development of a business plan for each of these projects, with the goal of entering into Operating Agreements by May 31, 2005. We have contributed an additional $200,000 in 2004. The deposits have been reflected as other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. The Company is continuing to explore these developmental opportunities, but to December 31, 2004 has not entered into definitive Operating Agreements on either of these potential developments. Under the terms of the Letter of Intent, MEC may be responsible for additional equity contributions, however to December 31, 2004, we have not made any such contributions.

        On July 13, 2004, we were advised by MID of its intention to make an unsolicited offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Class A Subordinate Voting Stock that were not owned by MID at that time. On September 16, 2004, we were advised of MID's decision not to proceed with its offer.

        On August 24, 2004, MI Racing Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, sold the real property and associated racetrack license of Great Lakes Downs to Richmond Racing Co., LLC ("Richmond Racing") for approximately $4.2 million. The consideration included cash of $0.2 million and the issuance of a 20-year promissory note with a principal amount of $4.0 million, which bears interest at 5% per annum. MI Racing Inc. also entered into a lease agreement with Richmond Racing, which gives MI Racing Inc. the conditional right to continue operating Great Lakes Downs and to conduct thoroughbred race meetings at the racetrack. The lease is for an initial term of five years with an option to renew the lease for up to three additional periods of five years each. MI Racing Inc. also has an option to repurchase the property and associated racetrack license of Great Lakes Downs from Richmond Racing in the event we are unsuccessful in obtaining a racetrack license for the proposed Romulus, Michigan racetrack or in the event that state law in Michigan is amended to allow an entity to hold more than one racetrack license.

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        We have applied for horse racing licenses in certain other jurisdictions, including the Detroit, Michigan area where we have proposed to develop a new racetrack, subject to regulatory and other approvals. In October 2003, a subsidiary of MID purchased vacant land in Romulus, Michigan, which may serve as the site of the proposed racetrack. In September 2004, one of our subsidiaries entered into an option agreement with MID and one of its subsidiaries to acquire 100% of the shares of the MID subsidiary that owns the land in Romulus, Michigan for $33.5 million. The option expires on June 30, 2005. If we are unable to obtain a racing license for this site, or if we are unable to renew this option arrangement with MID upon its expiry, then we would incur a write-down of the costs that have been incurred with respect to entitlements on this property and in the pursuit of this license. At December 31, 2004, we have incurred approximately $2.8 million of costs related to this property and in pursuit of the license.

        On November 1, 2004, certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into access agreements with Magna International Inc. and one of its subsidiaries ("Magna") for their use of our golf courses and associated clubhouse, meeting, dining and other facilities at the Magna Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario and Fontana Sports in Oberwaltersdorf, Austria. The agreements, which expire on December 31, 2014, stipulate annual fees of Cdn. $5.0 million, retroactive to January 1, 2004, and Euro 2.5 million, retroactive to March 1, 2004, respectively, for the use of the Magna Golf Club and Fontana Sports facilities, which were recognized in the fourth quarter of 2004. In addition, Magna has a right of first refusal to purchase the Magna Golf Club and Fontana Sports.

        On December 23, 2004, we announced we would not renew the lease on Multnomah Greyhound Park in Portland, Oregon when the lease expired on December 31, 2004. MEC purchased the operating rights for the greyhound track in October 2001. Multnomah Greyhound Park had a loss before income taxes in 2004 of $2.6 million.

        The lease on our Bay Meadows site expired December 31, 2004 and as a result, certain fixed assets were disposed of for $1.0 million, which resulted in a loss of $0.1 million being recognized on this transaction in 2004. Although we are continuing to explore alternative venues, including vacant land that we purchased in Dixon, California for future development of a thoroughbred racetrack with an associated retail shopping and entertainment complex, this project is still in the early stages of planning and is subject to regulatory and other approvals. Our operating results will be materially adversely affected at least until such time as an alternative venue can be opened or additional revenue source arrangements secured. There can be no assurance that operating at an alternative venue in the future will be as profitable as our Bay Meadows operation has been. Bay Meadows had earnings before income taxes in 2004 of $3.1 million.

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Racing Operations

        Information about our racing operations is set forth below.

(1)

Population residing within 40 miles of each of our racetracks, except for Santa Anita Park and Magna Racino™ (30 miles), The Meadows (50 miles) and Great Lakes Downs (50 miles). Data from Urban Systems Inc.

(2)

Amounts comprising total handle and revenue include inter-company transactions for our racetracks, account wagering operations and separate OTB facilities, for both our importing and our exporting facilities.

(3)

Rental and other revenues earned from The Oak Tree Meet are included in Santa Anita Park's revenue.

(4)

The Bay Meadows and Multnomah Greyhound Park leases expired on December 31, 2004 and were not renewed.

(5)

The Maryland Jockey Club manages Colonial Downs in New Kent, Virginia and Colonial Downs' network of Virginia OTB facilities. Colonial Downs had 34 days of live thoroughbred racing and 32 days of live standardbred racing during 2004. Management fees earned from the management of Colonial Downs are included in Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park's revenue.

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        Our primary source of racing revenues is commissions earned from pari-mutuel wagering. Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is a form of wagering in which wagers on horse races are aggregated in a commingled pool of wagers (the "mutuel pool") and the payoff to winning customers is determined by both the total dollar amount of wagers in the mutuel pool and the allocation of those dollars among the various kinds of bets. Unlike casino gambling, the customers bet against each other, and not against us, and therefore we bear no risk of loss with respect to any wagering conducted. We retain a pre-determined percentage of the total amount wagered (the "take-out") on each event, regardless of the outcome of the wagering event, and the remaining balance of the mutuel pool is distributed to the winning customers. Of the percentage we retain, a portion is paid to the horse owners in the form of purses or winnings, which encourage the horse owners and their trainers to enter their horses in our races. Our share of pari-mutuel wagering revenues is based on pre-determined percentages of various categories of the pooled wagers at our racetracks. The maximum pre-determined percentages are approved by state regulators. Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing occurs on the live races being conducted at racetracks, as well as on televised racing signals, or simulcasts, received or imported by the simulcast wagering facilities located at such racetracks or OTB facilities, and through various forms of account wagering. Our racetracks have simulcast wagering facilities to complement our live horse racing, enabling our customers to wager on horse races being held at other racetracks.

        We derive our gross wagering revenues from the following primary sources:

•

Wagers placed at our racetracks or our OTB facilities on live racing conducted at our racetracks;



•

Wagers placed at our racetracks' simulcast wagering venues or our OTB facilities on races imported from other racetracks;



•

Wagers placed at other locations (i.e. other racetracks, OTB facilities or casinos) on live racing signals exported by our racetracks; and



•

Wagers placed by telephone or over the Internet by customers enrolled in XpressBet® or MagnaBet™, our account wagering programs.

        Wagers placed at our racetracks or our OTB facilities on live racing conducted at one of our racetracks produce more net revenue for us than wagers placed on imported racing signals, because we must pay the racetrack sending us its signal a fee generally equal to 3% to 4% of the amount wagered on its race. Wagers placed on imported signals, in turn, produce more revenue for us than wagers placed on our signals exported to off-track venues (i.e. other racetracks, OTB facilities or casinos), where we are paid a commission generally equal to only 3% to 4% of the amount wagered at the off-track venue on the signal we export to those venues. Revenues from our telephone and Internet account wagering operations vary depending upon the source of the signal upon which the wager is placed.

        We also generate non-wagering revenues consisting primarily of commissions earned from the Flamboro Downs slot facility, food and beverage sales, program sales, admissions income, parking revenues, sponsorship revenues and revenues from the rental of our facilities to other racing operators.

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        Live race days are a significant factor in the operating and financial performance of our racing business. Another significant factor is the level of wagering per customer on our racing content on-track, at inter-track simulcast locations and at OTB facilities. There are also many other factors that have a significant impact on our racetrack revenues. Such factors include, but are not limited to: attendance at our racetracks, inter-track simulcast locations and OTB facilities; activity through our XpressBet® and MagnaBet™ systems; the number of races conducted at our racetracks and at racetracks whose signals we import and the average field size per race; our ability to attract the industry's top horses and trainers; inclement weather; and changes in the economy.

        Set forth below is a list of the total live race days by racetrack for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 as well as of those live race days during our ownership or operation of the racetracks.

(1)

Excludes The Oak Tree Meet which consisted of 26 days in 2004, 32 days in 2003 and 26 days in 2002.

        We recognize revenue prior to our payment of purses, stakes, awards and pari-mutuel wagering taxes. The costs relating to these amounts are shown as "purses, awards and other" in our consolidated financial statements.

        Our operating costs principally include salaries and benefits, utilities, the cost of food and beverages sold, racetrack repairs and maintenance expenses, sales and marketing expenses, rent, printing costs, property taxes, license fees and insurance premiums.

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Seasonality

        Most of our racetracks operate for prescribed periods each year. As a result, our racing revenues and operating results for any quarter will not be indicative of our racing revenues and operating results for any other quarter or for the year as a whole. Because five of our largest racetracks, Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, Pimlico Race Course and Golden Gate Fields, run live race meets principally during the first half of the year, our racing operations have historically operated at a loss in the second half of the year, with our third quarter generating the largest operating loss. This seasonality has resulted in large quarterly fluctuations in revenue and operating results.

Real Estate Operations

        We characterize our real estate as follows:

Revenue-Producing Racing Real Estate

•

real estate at our racetracks used in our racing operations;

Excess Racing Real Estate

•

excess real estate at our racetracks that we are considering developing with strategic partners;

Development Real Estate

•

real estate not at our racetracks that is under development, or that we are holding for development, either as a racetrack or other project;

Revenue-Producing Non-Racing Real Estate

•

developed real estate not at our racetracks that is currently generating revenue for us; and

Non-Core Real Estate

•

non-core real estate that we are holding for sale.

        As of December 31, 2004, the aggregate net book values of our real estate properties is as follows:

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        Included in our Excess Racing Real Estate is land adjacent to several of our racetracks, Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course and Magna Racino™, totaling approximately 786 acres. We are considering a variety of options with respect to this excess land, including entertainment and retail-based developments that could be undertaken in conjunction with business partners who could be expected to provide the necessary financing.

        Our Development Real Estate, which is largely undeveloped, includes approximately 27 acres of land in Oberwaltersdorf, Austria, located approximately 20 miles south of Vienna, Austria; approximately 800 acres of land in upstate New York; approximately 260 acres of land in Dixon, California, located approximately 20 miles southwest of Sacramento; approximately 491 acres of land in Ocala, Florida; 157 acres of land in Palm Beach County, Florida, adjacent to our Palm Meadows® training facility, which is currently in the initial stages of development as a residential community; and approximately 21 acres of land in Aurora, Ontario, adjacent to one of our golf courses, which is currently under development for a residential community.

        Our Revenue-Producing Non-Racing Real Estate consists of two golf courses that we own and operate, Fontana Sports and Magna Golf Club. Fontana Sports, which opened in 1997, is a semi-private sports facility located in Oberwaltersdorf, Austria that includes an 18-hole golf course, a tennis club, and a clubhouse which contains a dining facility, a pro shop and a fitness facility. The Magna Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course in Aurora, Ontario, adjacent to our and Magna's headquarters approximately 30 miles north of Toronto, opened in May 2001. The clubhouse was completed in the spring of 2002 and contains a dining facility, a members' lounge, a pro shop and a fitness facility.

Critical Accounting Policies

        The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates. However, actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

        Our significant accounting policies are included in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Impairment of Intangible and Long-Lived Assets

        Our most significant intangible assets are racing licenses which represent the value attributed to licenses to conduct race meets acquired through our acquisition of racetracks. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 142 ("SFAS 142"), "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", intangibles are evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or when impairment indicators are present. An impairment write-down to fair value would occur if discounted cash flows from operations net of the fair value of the long-lived assets is less than the carrying amount of the racing license.

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        Under Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 144 ("SFAS 144"), "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets", our long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If such events or changes in circumstances are present, we assess the recoverability of the long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets can be recovered through projected undiscounted cash flows. If the sum of expected future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest charges, is less than net book value, the excess of the net book value over the estimated fair value, based on discounted future cash flows and appraisals, is charged to operations in the period in which such impairment is determined by management.

        We believe the accounting estimates related to intangibles and long-lived asset impairment assessments are "critical accounting estimates" because they are subject to significant measurement uncertainty and are susceptible to change as management is required to make forward looking assumptions regarding cash flows and business operations. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material impact on our consolidated operating results and on the amount of assets reported on our consolidated balance sheets.

Future Income Tax Assets

        At December 31, 2004, we had recorded future tax assets (net of related valuation allowances) in respect of loss carryforwards and other deductible temporary differences. We evaluate quarterly the realizability of our future tax assets by assessing our valuation allowance and by adjusting the allowance as necessary. The assessment considers forecasts of future taxable income and tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the future tax assets. Should operations not yield future taxable income or if tax planning strategies could not be implemented, then there could be a material impact on our consolidated tax expense or recovery and on the amount of future tax assets reported on our consolidated balance sheets.

Stock-Based Compensation

        Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123 ("SFAS 123"), "Accounting and Disclosure of Stock-Based Compensation", provides companies an alternative to accounting for stock-based compensation. The pronouncement encourages, but does not require, companies to recognize an expense for stock-based awards based on their fair value at date of grant. SFAS 123 allows companies to continue to follow the intrinsic method which does not give rise to an expense, provided that pro-forma disclosures are made of what net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share would have been had the fair value method been used. We account for stock based compensation under the intrinsic value method and provide pro-forma disclosure as required by SFAS 123. In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a revision to SFAS 123 which requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the statement of operations based on their fair values. Pro-forma disclosure is no longer an alternative. The Company is currently reviewing the alternatives for implementation of this revised standard and has not yet determined the methodology for implementation or the impact on the Company's financial statements.

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Litigation

        In the ordinary course of business, we may be contingently liable for litigation and claims with, among others, customers, suppliers and former employees. Management believes that adequate provisions have been recorded in the accounts where required. Although it is not possible to accurately estimate the extent of potential costs and losses, if any, management believes, but can provide no assurance, that the ultimate resolution of such contingencies would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

Related Party Transactions

        Refer to Note 18 to our consolidated financial statements, which describes all material related party transactions.

Results of Operations

        The following is a discussion and comparison of our results of operations and financial position for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to December 31, 2003

Racing operations

        In 2004, we operated our largest racetracks for 42 fewer live race days compared to the prior year, primarily due to the cancellation of the quarter horse meet at Lone Star Park and The Maryland Jockey Club's desired reduction in race days. Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park combined had 195 live race days in 2004 as compared to 213 live race days in 2003. Our other racetracks operated an additional 117 live race days in 2004, compared to the prior year, primarily due to the completion of the acquisition of Flamboro Downs on April 16, 2003 which added 70 live race days, the opening of Magna Racino™ on April 4, 2004 which added 50 live race days, the return of the spring quarter horse meet at Remington Park which added 11 live race days, partially offset by 8 fewer live race days at Portland Meadows as a result of Portland Meadows' desired reduction in race days.

        Revenues from our racing operations were $691.6 million in 2004, compared to $687.2 million in 2003, an increase of $4.4 million or 0.6%. The 2003 revenues include $8.5 million of revenue generated on the sale of excess land at Golden Gate Fields. The increase is primarily attributable to the acquisition of Flamboro Downs on April 16, 2003, the opening of our newest racetrack, Magna Racino™, near Vienna, Austria on April 4, 2004, increased decoder revenues at our California racetracks as a result of revenue being recognized for amounts previously in dispute, increased attendance and wagering at Pimlico on the Preakness Stakes®, increased revenues earned at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie as a result of hosting the 2004 Breeders' Cup™ and increased stall rent at Palm Meadows®, our thoroughbred training center in Palm Beach County, Florida, partially offset by fewer live race days at our largest tracks and reduced on-track and inter-track wagering revenues at several of our facilities due to lower average daily attendance.

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        In 2004, gross wagering revenues from our racing operations decreased $2.6 million or 0.5% to $559.3 million, compared to $561.9 million in 2003, primarily due to a number of the factors noted above. Non-wagering revenues in 2004 increased 5.6% to $132.3 million compared to $125.2 million in 2003, primarily due to the opening of Magna Racino™, the acquisition of Flamboro Downs, increased decoder revenues at our California racetracks, increased admissions and parking revenues at The Maryland Jockey Club due to increased attendance during the Preakness Stakes®, increased commissions earned at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie as a result of the 2004 Breeders' Cup™ and increased stall rent at Palm Meadows®. As a percentage of gross wagering revenues, non-wagering revenues increased from 22.3% in 2003 to 23.6% in 2004, primarily as a result of the same factors. The sale of excess lands at Golden Gate Fields in 2003 of $8.5 million was included in non-wagering revenues.

        Purses, awards and other increased 1.0% to $340.0 million in 2004 from $336.8 million in 2003, primarily due to increased wagering at Pimlico during the Preakness Stakes®, the opening of Magna Racino™ for live racing and the acquisition of Flamboro Downs, partially offset by reduced gross wagering revenues at several of our facilities in 2004. As a percentage of gross wagering revenues, purses, awards and other increased from 59.9% in 2003 to 60.8% in 2004, primarily due to the mix of wagers made, the states the wagers were made in and the mix of on-track versus off-track wagering.

        Operating costs in our racing operations increased $28.0 million to $287.4 million in 2004, from $259.4 million in 2003, primarily due to the opening of Magna Racino™ for live racing, pre-operating and start-up costs related to RaceONTV™ and other European business developments, the acquisition of Flamboro Downs, additional distribution and production costs at HRTV™ as a result of the carriage agreement with the operator of the Dish Network™ and increased costs at Santa Anita Park with the opening of an entertainment facility including a new restaurant and sports bar. As a percentage of total racing revenues, operating costs increased from 37.7% in 2003 to 41.6% in 2004, primarily due to the factors described above.

        General and administrative expenses in our racing operations increased $0.3 million to $67.0 million in 2004 compared to $66.7 million in 2003. General and administrative expenses in 2004 include approximately $2.7 million of costs that relate to the start-up of our European business units. Excluding the start-up costs associated with our European operations, general and administrative expenses decreased $2.4 million from 2003 as a result of focused efforts to reduce costs. Corporate costs included in general and administrative expenses declined approximately $0.9 million as a result of reduced salaries and wages, which were largely offset by expenses related to Sarbanes-Oxley requirements, bank service charges, increased rent at our head office and costs incurred with MID's decision not to proceed with an unsolicited offer to take MEC private. As a percentage of total racing revenues, general and administrative expenses remained constant at 9.7% in 2004 and 2003, primarily due to cost containment efforts and higher racing revenues.

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Real estate and other operations

        Revenues from real estate and other operations were $40.0 million in 2004, compared to $21.8 million in 2003. The increase in revenues is primarily attributable to the sale of four Non-Core Real Estate properties in 2004 and higher annual dues and initiation fee revenues from our Magna Golf Club and Fontana Sports facilities as a result of increased membership at both facilities. In 2004, the sale of four Non-Core Real Estate properties generated revenues of $16.4 million and income before income taxes of $9.6 million. In 2003, only one Non-Core Real Estate property was sold generating revenue of $2.6 million which was equal to the carrying value of the property.

Predevelopment and other costs

        Predevelopment and other costs were $20.5 million in 2004, compared to $8.8 million in 2003. Predevelopment and other costs in the current year represent costs of $13.5 million incurred pursuing alternative gaming opportunities in states where we currently operate, $2.7 million on the development of a simplified wagering machine that will simplify the pari-mutuel wagering process for the customer, $1.3 million of costs relating to the Laurel Park redevelopment and $3.0 million of costs relating to development initiatives undertaken to enhance our racing operations. In 2003, the predevelopment and other costs that we incurred represented costs of $4.2 million pursuing alternative gaming opportunities, a $0.8 million write-off of information technology costs which were determined to have no future benefit, $0.7 million of disposal costs related to excess real estate at Golden Gate Fields and $3.1 million of costs relating to developmental initiatives undertaken to enhance our racing operations.

Depreciation and amortization

        Depreciation and amortization increased $5.6 million from $31.9 million in 2003 to $37.5 million in 2004, primarily due to depreciation at Magna Racino™, which commenced operations on April 4, 2004 and increased depreciation at our Palm Meadows® training center related to additional stall and dormitory construction, partially offset by reduced depreciation at Gulfstream Park as a result of the write-down of long-lived assets recorded in the second quarter of 2004 and at Remington Park as a result of the write-down of long-lived assets recorded in the fourth quarter of 2003.

Interest income and expense

        Our net interest expense for 2004 increased $10.5 million to $24.1 million from $13.6 million in 2003. The higher net interest expense is primarily attributable to the issuance of $150.0 million of convertible subordinated notes in June 2003, the issuance of a 15 million Euro term loan facility in the first quarter of 2004, borrowings on our Corporate revolving credit facility as well as less interest being capitalized with respect to projects under development. In 2004, $4.0 million of interest was capitalized with respect to projects under development, compared to $7.3 million in the prior year.

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Write-down of long-lived assets

        As a result of the major redevelopment of the Gulfstream Park racetrack, which entails the demolition of a substantial portion of the current buildings and related structures, and the redevelopment of Laurel Park's racing surfaces, a write-down of long-lived assets was necessary. As a result, we have recognized non-cash write-downs of $26.3 million and $0.4 million relating to Gulfstream Park and Laurel Park's long-lived assets, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2004.

Income tax provision

        We recorded an income tax benefit of $1.7 million on a loss before income taxes of $97.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2004, whereas in the year ended December 31, 2003 we recorded an income tax benefit of $58.4 million on a loss before income taxes of $163.5 million. The income tax benefit recorded for 2004 of $1.7 million represents a reduction in enacted income tax rates in Austria, which resulted in a revaluation of our European net future tax liabilities, partially offset by income tax expense recognized at our Canadian operations and in certain U.S. operations that are not included in our U.S. consolidated income tax return. Our effective income tax rate for 2003, adjusted for equity income, was 35.5%.

Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to December 31, 2002

Racing operations

        In the year ended December 31, 2003, we operated our largest racetracks for an additional 287 live race days compared to the prior year. The overall increase in live race days at those racetracks is primarily attributable to our acquisitions of The Maryland Jockey Club and Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, which were both acquired in the fourth quarter of 2002.

        Our other racetracks operated an additional 202 live race days in the year ended December 31, 2003, compared to the prior year, primarily due to the acquisition of Flamboro Downs on April 16, 2003, additional live race days at Portland Meadows as a result of the 2002 live race meet concluding early in order to permit construction of a storm water retention system, partially offset by a decrease in live race days at Remington Park as a result of our desired reduction in race days at that location.

        Revenues from our racing operations were $687.2 million in 2003, compared to $522.6 million in 2002, an increase of $164.5 million or 31.5%. The increase is primarily attributable to the acquisitions of The Maryland Jockey Club, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie and Flamboro Downs, which generated additional revenues in 2003 of $95.5 million, $59.7 million and $20.5 million, respectively, partially offset by reduced revenues due to lower average daily attendance and decreased on-track wagering activity at certain of our facilities. Also contributing to the decline was a generally weak United States economy and inclement weather experienced in the year, particularly in the northeast region of the United States where several of our facilities are located, which resulted in live race day and simulcast signal cancellations. As noted previously, 2003 racing revenues include $8.5 million of revenue generated on the sale of excess real estate at Golden Gate Fields.

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        In 2003, gross wagering revenues from our racing operations increased 24.7% to $561.9 million, compared to $450.7 million in 2002, primarily due to the acquisitions of The Maryland Jockey Club, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie and Flamboro Downs, partially offset by declines in average daily attendance which resulted in lower volumes of on-track live and import handle and related revenues at certain of our facilities. Non-wagering revenues in 2003 increased 74.2% to $125.2 million, compared to $71.9 million in 2002, primarily due to our recent acquisitions. As a percentage of gross wagering revenues, non-wagering revenues increased from 15.9% in 2002 to 22.3% in 2003 primarily as a result of the $8.5 million of revenue from the sale of excess real estate at Golden Gate Fields included in non-wagering revenues, commissions earned from the Flamboro Downs slot facility and sponsorship revenues earned at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, The Maryland Jockey Club and on the Sunshine Millions®.

        Purses, awards and other increased to $336.8 million in 2003 from $276.0 million in 2002, primarily due to the increase in gross wagering revenues for the period. As a percentage of gross wagering revenues, purses, awards and other decreased from 61.2% in 2002 to 59.9% in 2003 primarily due to the mix of wagers made, the states the wagers were made in, the mix of on-track versus off-track wagering and purse subsidies received by The Maryland Jockey Club which lowered their purse expense.

        Operating costs increased $76.0 million to $259.4 million in 2003. The increased operating costs included additional operating costs of $68.4 million incurred by our recent acquisitions, The Maryland Jockey Club, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie and Flamboro Downs, $8.5 million of costs related to the sale of excess real estate at Golden Gate Fields and additional rent expense incurred at our Bay Meadows facility of $2.9 million, partially offset by operating cost reductions at our other racetracks. As a percentage of total racing revenues, operating costs increased from 35.1% in 2002 to 37.7% in 2003. The increase in operating costs as a percentage of revenues was primarily the result of additional costs incurred by our recent acquisitions, the sale of the excess real estate at Golden Gate Fields and additional rent expense incurred at our Bay Meadows facility. Excluding these factors, operating costs as a percentage of total racing revenues were 26.1% in 2003. Other factors contributing to higher operating costs in 2003 were start-up costs related to HRTV™, Palm Meadows® and the inaugural running of the Sunshine Millions®.

        General and administrative expenses were $66.7 million in 2003, compared to $41.5 million in 2002. As a percentage of total racing revenues, general and administrative expenses increased from 7.9% in 2002 to 9.7% in 2003. The increased costs included an additional $13.2 million of costs incurred by our recent acquisitions which were not included in the comparable prior year period and higher costs of our head office.

Real estate and other operations

        Revenues from real estate and other operations were $21.8 million in 2003, compared to $26.6 million in 2002. The decrease in revenues is primarily attributable to lower sales of Non-Core Real Estate in the current period, partially offset by increased revenues from our Magna Golf Club operations as a result of new members. In 2002, there were four Non-Core Real Estate properties sold, which generated revenues of $8.9 million and income before income taxes of $2.2 million. In 2003, only one Non-Core Real Estate property was sold generating revenue of $2.6 million which was equal to the carrying value of the property.

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Predevelopment and other costs

        Predevelopment and other costs were $8.8 million in 2003, compared to $2.3 million in 2002. Predevelopment and other costs in the current period represent costs of approximately $4.2 million incurred pursuing alternative gaming opportunities in states where we currently operate, $0.8 million of information technology costs which have been determined to have no future benefit, $0.7 million of disposal costs related to the excess real estate at Golden Gate Fields and $3.1 million of costs relating to development initiatives undertaken to enhance our racing operations. In the prior year, the predevelopment and other costs that we incurred were all related to development initiatives that were undertaken to enhance our racing operations.

Write-down of long-lived and intangible assets

        Pursuant to SFAS 144 and SFAS 142, our long-lived assets, racing licenses and other intangible assets were tested for impairment after completion of our annual business planning process. As a result of the assets' carrying value at December 31, 2003 exceeding their fair value at certain of our business units, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $3.9 million related to long-lived assets and a non-cash impairment charge of $130.9 million related to the racing licenses and other intangible assets.

Depreciation and amortization

        Depreciation and amortization increased $9.1 million to $31.9 million in 2003, primarily as a result of our recent acquisitions recording additional depreciation and amortization of $7.7 million and increased depreciation and amortization on recent fixed asset additions.

Interest income and expense

        Our net interest expense for 2003 increased $12.9 million to $13.6 million from $0.7 million in 2002. The higher net interest expense is attributable to the issuance of $150.0 million of convertible subordinated notes in June 2003 and the issuance of $75.0 million of convertible subordinated notes in December 2002, as well as higher levels of long-term debt related to our acquisitions of The Maryland Jockey Club, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie and Flamboro Downs. In 2003, $7.3 million of interest was capitalized with respect to projects under development, compared to $2.7 million in the prior year period.

Income tax provision

        We recorded an income tax recovery of $58.4 million on losses before income taxes of $163.5 million in 2003, compared to an income tax recovery of $8.6 million on losses before income taxes of $23.0 million in 2002. Our effective income tax rate in 2003, adjusted for equity income, was 35.5%, compared to 36.6% in 2002, primarily due to additional income tax expense of $3.7 million related to a change in Canadian enacted income tax rates and increased non-deductible expenditures.

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Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to December 31, 2001

Racing operations

        Revenues from our racing operations were $522.6 million in 2002, compared to $459.4 million in 2001, an increase of $63.2 million or 13.8%. The increase resulted primarily from additional live race days at Gulfstream Park, the acquisition of MEC Pennsylvania in April 2001 and Multnomah in October 2001, the lease of Portland Meadows in July 2001, the acquisition of Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie in October 2002 and The Maryland Jockey Club in November 2002, the launch of XpressBet® in California in January 2002 and improved results at Santa Anita Park.

        In 2002, gross wagering revenues for our racing operations increased 14.4% to $450.7 million, compared to $394.0 million in 2001, primarily as a result of the additional live race days at Gulfstream Park, increased average daily handle at Santa Anita Park and the completion of our acquisitions, partially offset by decreased revenues at certain of our racetracks as a result of lower average daily attendance, fewer live race days and a generally weak U.S. economy. Non-wagering revenues in 2002 increased 9.9% to $71.9 million compared to $65.4 million in 2001. Contributing to the increase in non-wagering revenues were increases in revenues from parking, racing and concert admissions, program sales and food and beverage operations related to the increase in live race days and due to our acquisitions.

        Purses, awards and other increased by 13.4% to $276.0 million in 2002 from $243.4 million in 2001 primarily due to the increase in gross wagering revenues for the year. As a percentage of gross wagering revenue, purses, awards and other decreased from 61.8% in 2001 to 61.2% in 2002. Operating costs increased to $183.4 million in 2002 from $152.6 million in 2001. The increased operating costs included $24.4 million related to acquisitions or new business units not included in the prior year. As a percentage of total racing revenues, operating costs increased from 33.2% in 2001 to 35.1% in 2002. The increase in operating costs as a percentage of revenue was primarily the result of an increase in insurance costs of $3.6 million, start-up costs of $1.3 million related to XpressBet® and the launch of HorseRacing TV™ and an increase in utility costs of approximately $0.8 million.

        Racing general and administrative expenses were $41.5 million in 2002, compared to $31.1 million in 2001. As a percentage of total racing revenues, general and administrative expenses increased from 6.8% in 2001 to 7.9% in 2002. The increased costs included $4.9 million of costs related to acquisitions or new business units not included in the prior year and higher costs of our head office, as several members of our corporate and group management teams joined late in the second quarter of 2001 and during 2002.

Real estate operations

        Revenues from real estate operations were $26.6 million in 2002, compared to $59.7 million in 2001. Income before income taxes from real estate activities decreased to a loss of $0.1 million in 2002 from income of $21.5 million in 2001. These decreases are primarily attributable to the lower level of sales of Non-Core Real Estate in 2002. In 2002, we had gains on the sale of Non-Core Real Estate of $2.2 million, compared to gains of $20.4 million during 2001.

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Predevelopment and other costs

        Predevelopment and other costs were $2.3 million in 2002 compared to $3.2 million in 2001. The decrease in predevelopment and other costs was a result of lower activity on certain development projects in the current year.

Write-down of long-lived and intangible assets

        Pursuant to SFAS 144 and SFAS 142, our long-lived assets and racing licenses were tested for impairment after completion of our annual business planning process. As a result of declining attendance and related revenues at Remington Park and Great Lakes Downs, operating profits and cash flows were lower than expected in 2002. Based on these results, the earnings forecasts for these two racetracks were revised and we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $14.7 million related to our long-lived assets and a non-cash impairment charge of $2.8 million related to the racing licenses in 2002.

Depreciation and amortization

        Depreciation and amortization decreased $3.4 million from $26.2 million in 2001 to $22.8 million in 2002, primarily as a result of the implementation of SFAS 142. The implementation of SFAS 142 resulted in the cessation of amortization of goodwill and intangible assets that meet the criteria for indefinite life, effective January 1, 2002. The impact of SFAS 142 was to reduce depreciation and amortization expense by $8.0 million from the prior year, which has been partially offset by increased depreciation and amortization of fixed assets for our acquisitions and increased depreciation on recent fixed asset additions.

Interest income and expense

        Our net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2002 decreased $2.0 million to $0.7 million from $2.7 million in 2001. The lower net interest expense is attributable to the capitalization of interest on certain properties under development in the current year, interest earned on increased cash balances on hand and a reduction of debt for the majority of the year.

Income tax provision

        We recorded an income tax benefit of $8.6 million on a loss before income taxes of $23.0 million in 2002, compared to an income tax provision of $9.3 million on income before income taxes of $22.8 million in 2001. Our effective income tax rate in 2002 was 37.4%, compared to 41.0% in 2001, primarily as a result of the income tax recovery recorded on our write-down of long-lived and intangible assets, which did not reflect any state tax recovery.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Year Ended December 31, 2004

Operating activities

        Cash provided by operations before changes in non-cash working capital decreased $45.5 million to a use of cash of $45.3 million in 2004 from a source of cash of $0.2 million in 2003, primarily due to decreased earnings in 2004 adjusted for the write-downs of long-lived and intangible assets. In 2004, cash provided from non-cash working capital balances was $8.8 million compared to cash provided from non-cash working capital balances of $13.6 million in 2003. Cash provided from non-cash working capital balances of $8.8 million in 2004 is primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable, partially offset by increases in accounts payable, accrued salaries and wages, other accrued liabilities and deferred revenues at December 31, 2004 compared to the respective balances at December 31, 2003.

Investment activities

        Cash used in investment activities in 2004 was $120.7 million, including expenditures of $139.9 million on real estate property and fixed asset additions and $0.6 million on other asset additions, partially offset by $19.8 million of net proceeds received on the disposal of Non-Core Real Estate and fixed assets. Expenditures on real estate property and fixed asset additions in 2004 consisted of $41.7 million on the Gulfstream redevelopment, $36.6 million on Magna Racino™, $19.4 million at The Maryland Jockey Club, $12.1 million for construction at our Palm Meadows® training center, $9.7 million on maintenance capital improvements, $4.0 million on the entertainment facility including a new restaurant and sports bar at Santa Anita Park, $0.8 million for the purchase of land in Ocala, Florida and $15.6 million of expenditures related to other racetrack property enhancements, infrastructure and development costs on certain of our properties and technology operations.

Financing activities

        Cash provided by financing activities was $117.3 million in 2004 arising from the issuance of debt of $142.6 million, the utilization of our credit facilities of $29.5 million, the issuance of $0.9 million of share capital on the exercise of stock options, partially offset by repayments of long-term debt of $55.7 million. The issuance of debt of $142.6 million is comprised primarily of $75.0 million of debt incurred by The Santa Anita Companies, Inc., $23.4 million of debt (net of loan origination expenses of $3.0 million) incurred by Gulfstream Park from a financing transaction with MID, debt of $23.6 million incurred by one of our European subsidiaries, debt incurred by another of our European subsidiaries of $18.4 million, $1.3 million of debt incurred by Pimlico Racing Association, Inc. and debt incurred to fund the purchase of a mobile video screen that will be used at our racetracks of $0.9 million.

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Year Ended December 31, 2003

Operating activities

        Cash provided by operations before changes in non-cash working capital decreased $19.5 million to $0.2 million in 2003 from $19.7 million in 2002 primarily due to lower net income. In 2003, cash provided by non-cash working capital balances was $13.6 million compared to cash provided by non-cash working capital balances of $0.4 million in 2002 primarily as a result of the collection of a receivable during 2003 from a land sale which was recorded in a prior year.

Investment activities

        Cash used in investment activities in 2003 was $109.3 million, including expenditures of $106.0 million on real estate property and fixed asset additions and $16.5 million on other asset additions, including $12.1 million on our acquisition of the master lease on the Portland Meadows racetrack and an interest in the underlying real estate and $4.3 million on our 30% equity investment in AmTote International, Inc., partially offset by $13.2 million of net proceeds received on the disposal of real estate and fixed assets. Expenditures relating to real estate property and fixed asset additions in 2003 were comprised of $31.9 million for our Austrian racetrack under development, $29.4 million for the construction of our Palm Meadows® training center, maintenance capital improvements of $16.2 million, $4.9 million for the construction of our horse bedding manufacturing facility in North Carolina, $3.7 million for the purchase of land adjacent to the Pimlico Race Course, $2.1 million for improvements at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie and $17.8 million of expenditures related to other racetrack property enhancements, infrastructure and development costs on certain of our properties and account wagering and television related activities.

Financing activities

        Cash provided by financing activities was $100.8 million in 2003. We issued $150.0 million of 8.55% convertible subordinated notes in June 2003 which are due June 15, 2010 and received net proceeds of $145.0 million. Our revolving credit facility of $49.5 million was repaid early in the year from proceeds on the sale of Non-Core Real Estate received late in 2002. One of our subsidiaries had borrowed $6.7 million under an operating facility as at December 31, 2003. We incurred additional long-term debt of $16.1 million and made repayments of $17.5 million.

Year Ended December 31, 2002

Operating activities

        Cash provided by operations before changes in non-cash working capital decreased $6.6 million in 2002 compared to 2001. The decrease was attributable to decreases in net income, depreciation and amortization, future income taxes and gains on disposal of real estate properties, partially offset by write-downs of real estate and intangible assets and equity earnings. In 2002, cash provided from non-cash working capital balances was $0.4 million.

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Investment activities

        Cash used in investment activities in 2002 was $226.2 million, including $146.3 million spent on acquisitions, primarily for Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie and The Maryland Jockey Club, expenditures of $107.2 million on real estate property and fixed asset additions and $26.6 million in other asset additions, partially offset by $53.9 million of proceeds received on the sale of Non-Core Real Estate. Expenditures relating to real estate property and fixed assets for 2002 included $42.0 million for the construction of our Palm Meadows® training center, $23.3 million for our Austrian racetrack under development, $8.1 million for the completion of our Magna Golf Club clubhouse, $7.6 million for the purchase of 435 acres of land in Ocala, Florida and maintenance capital improvements of $9.9 million. The remaining $16.3 million of expenditures related to other racetrack property enhancements, infrastructure and development costs on certain of our properties and account wagering and television related activities. Other asset additions included our cash advance of $23.1 million to Ontario Racing Inc. related to the purchase of Flamboro Downs.

Financing activities

        Cash provided by financing activities was $249.2 million in 2002 arising from the issuance of share capital for $142.4 million, net of issue expenses, and convertible subordinated notes for $72.2 million, net of issue expenses, and utilization of our revolving credit facility for $49.5 million, partially offset by the net repayment of long-term debt of $14.9 million.

Working Capital, Cash and Other Resources

        Our net working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents and bank indebtedness, was ($62.4) million at December 31, 2004, compared to ($45.3) million at December 31, 2003. The decreased investment in net working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents and bank indebtedness, was primarily related to an increase in current assets excluding cash and cash equivalents of $14.3 million, partially offset by an increase in current liabilities excluding bank indebtedness and the current portion of long-term debt of $31.4 million.

        In December 2004, certain of our subsidiaries entered into a project financing arrangement with MID for the reconstruction of facilities at Gulfstream Park of $115 million. The project financing is made by way of progress draw advances to fund reconstruction. The loan has a ten-year term from the completion date of the reconstruction project. The anticipated completion date for the Gulfstream Park reconstruction project is the first quarter of 2006. Prior to the completion date, amounts outstanding under the loan will bear interest at a floating rate equal to 2.55% per annum above MID's notional cost of borrowing under its floating rate credit facility, compounded monthly. After the completion date, amounts outstanding under the loan will bear interest at a fixed rate of 10.5% per annum, compounded semi-annually. Prior to January 1, 2008, payment of interest will be deferred. Commencing January 1, 2008, we will make monthly blended payments of principal and interest based on a 25-year amortization period commencing on the completion date. The loans contain cross-guarantee, cross-default and cross-collateralization provisions. The loan is guaranteed by The Meadows and is collateralized principally by first-ranking security over the lands forming part of the race track operations at Gulfstream Park and The Meadows and certain lands adjacent to the racetrack operations at Gulfstream Park and over all other assets of Gulfstream Park and The Meadows,

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excluding licenses and permits. At December 31, 2004, $26.4 million was outstanding under the Gulfstream Park loan. We incurred loan origination expenses of $3.0 million, which have been recorded as a reduction of the outstanding loan balance. The loan balance will be accreted to its face value over the term to maturity.

        In December 2004, certain of our subsidiaries also entered into a binding term sheet with MID for project financing to fund part of the proposed redevelopment at The Meadows for $77 million. The project financing for The Meadows redevelopment would be on substantially the same terms as the project financing for the Gulfstream Park redevelopment and would be guaranteed by our subsidiary that owns and operates Gulfstream Park and would be cross-defaulted with the Gulfstream Park loan. The Meadows project financing is contingent on a number of events, including the issuance of a licence to The Meadows to operate slot machines and additional financing from other sources.

        In December 2004, one of our European subsidiaries entered into a financing arrangement which is collateralized by an assignment of the future amounts receivable under the Fontana Sports access agreement. We received proceeds of 17.6 million Euros in December 2004 that is repayable in nine annual installments of 2.5 million Euros commencing January 1, 2006 until the ninth installment has been made in 2014. The interest rate implicit in the arrangement is 5.17%. At December 31, 2004, $23.9 million was outstanding under this arrangement. On February 18, 2005, one of our Canadian subsidiaries entered into a similar arrangement that is collateralized by an assignment of the future amounts receivable under the Magna Golf Club access agreement. We received proceeds of $13.7 million Cdn. that is repayable in three annual installments of $5.0 million Cdn. commencing January 1, 2006 until the third installment has been made in 2008. The interest rate implicit in the arrangement is 5.08%.

        One of our subsidiaries, The Santa Anita Companies, Inc. ("SAC"), is party to a secured term loan facility that was scheduled to mature on November 30, 2004, however, on October 7, 2004, the facility was amended and extended until October 7, 2007, subject to a further extension at SAC's option to October 7, 2009. Under the facility, SAC is entitled to borrow up to a maximum of $75.0 million. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at either the U.S. Prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.0% per annum. Effective November 1, 2004, we have entered into an interest rate swap contract and fixed the rate of interest at 5.38% per annum to October 31, 2007 on a notional amount of 40% of the outstanding balance under the amended and extended facility. The loan facility is guaranteed by the Los Angeles Turf Club, Incorporated ("LATC"), our wholly-owned subsidiary, and is secured by a First Deed of Trust on Santa Anita Park and the surrounding real property, an assignment of the lease between LATC, the racetrack operator, and SAC and a pledge of all of the outstanding capital stock of LATC and SAC. At December 31, 2004, $73.8 million was outstanding under this fully drawn facility.

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        In October 2004, the credit agreement for our $50.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility was amended and extended until October 10, 2005, and may be further extended with the consent of both parties. Loans under the facility are secured by a first charge on the assets of Golden Gate Fields and a second charge on the assets of Santa Anita Park, and are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries which own and operate Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita Park. At December 31, 2004, we had borrowed $27.5 million and issued letters of credit totaling $21.9 million under this facility. On February 18, 2005, we amended our credit agreement including the financial covenants for the facility effective December 31, 2004 and accordingly, at December 31, 2004, we were in compliance with the amended agreement and related financial covenants. However, our ability to continue to meet these financial covenants may be adversely affected by a deterioration in business conditions or our results of operations, adverse regulatory developments and other events beyond our control. It is possible that we may not be able to meet the financial covenants under our $50.0 million senior revolving credit facility, as currently stated, at the quarterly reporting dates during the remaining term of the facility, which expires on October 10, 2005, unless extended with the consent of both parties. If we fail to comply with these financial covenants and the bank is unwilling to waive such a covenants breach or amend the agreement and related financial covenants, it will result in the occurrence of an event of default under the facility, and the lender could therefore demand repayment. In addition, as a result of a cross-default provision in The Santa Anita Companies, Inc. term loan facility, a default under the senior secured revolving credit facility would also constitute an event of default under The Santa Anita Companies, Inc. term loan facility, unless waived by the lender, and the lender could therefore demand repayment.

        A subsidiary of the Company, Pimlico Racing Association, Inc., had a $10.0 million revolving credit loan facility that was scheduled to mature on September 7, 2004, but was extended until October 28, 2004, at which date, the facility was converted to a term loan facility, which matures on December 15, 2019. The term loan facility, which bears interest at either the U.S. Prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.6% per annum, is secured by deeds of trust on land, buildings and improvements and security interests in all other assets of the subsidiary and certain affiliates of The Maryland Jockey Club. At December 31, 2004, $10.0 million was outstanding under this term loan facility.

        In March 2004, one of our European subsidiaries entered into a 15 million Euro term loan facility secured by a first and second mortgage on land in Austria owned by the European subsidiary, which bears interest at the European Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") plus 2% per annum. At December 31, 2004, $20.3 million was outstanding under this facility, which matures on December 15, 2006.

        In June 2003, we issued $150.0 million of 8.55% convertible subordinated notes, which are convertible at any time at the option of the holders into shares of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock at a conversion price of $7.05 per share, subject to adjustment under certain circumstances, and mature on June 15, 2010. The notes are redeemable at the principal amount together with accrued and unpaid interest, at our option, under certain conditions on or after June 2, 2006. At December 31, 2004, all of the notes remained outstanding.

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        In December 2002, we issued $75.0 million of 7.25% convertible subordinated notes, which are convertible at any time at the option of the holders into shares of our Class A Subordinate Voting Stock at a conversion price of $8.50 per share, subject to adjustment under certain circumstances, and mature on December 15, 2009. The notes are redeemable at the principal amount together with accrued and unpaid interest, at our option, under certain conditions on or after December 21, 2005. At December 31, 2004, all of the notes remained outstanding.

        One of our European subsidiaries is party to a Euro denominated term loan facility, secured by a pledge of land and a guarantee by MEC, which bears interest at 4% per annum. At December 31, 2004, $20.3 million was outstanding on this facility which matures on February 9, 2007.

        One of our subsidiaries has issued a promissory note denominated in Canadian dollars, secured by two first mortgages and a debenture against Flamboro Downs racetrack and related real estate. At December 31, 2004 the note is valued at $38.8 million and is repayable in annual installments of $2.1 million with the remaining amount due in June 2007.

        Also, two of our subsidiaries, which are part of The Maryland Jockey Club, are party to secured term loan facilities that bear interest at 5.0% and 7.0% per annum, respectively. Both term loans have interest rate adjustment clauses that reset to the market rate for U.S. Treasury security of an equivalent term plus 2.6% at set dates prescribed in the agreements. At December 31, 2004, $17.8 million and $4.5 million, respectively, were outstanding under these fully drawn term loan facilities which mature on December 1, 2013 and June 7, 2017, respectively.

        On November 27, 2002, contemporaneous with our acquisition of The Maryland Jockey Club, we granted the remaining minority interest shareholders of The Maryland Jockey Club the option to sell such interest to us, at any time during the first five years after closing of the acquisition. A cash payment of $18.3 million plus interest will be required on exercise of the option. At December 31, 2004, this obligation has been reflected on our balance sheet as long-term debt due after one year.

        At December 31, 2004, we had cash and cash equivalents of $60.6 million, bank indebtedness of $27.5 million and total shareholders' equity of $578.7 million. At December 31, 2004, we were in compliance with all of our debt agreements and related covenants.

Liquidity

        We expect that during 2005, we will be required to seek additional debt and/or equity financing in order to fund our current planned operations and the implementation of our strategic plan, including capitalizing on future growth opportunities. We also intend to generate cash by monetizing certain of our receivables, selling some of our real estate holdings and other assets and/or entering into leases or similar arrangements with respect to such real estate holdings or other assets in order to fund our current planned operations and certain portions of our strategic plan. If additional financing or other sources of funds are not available to us as needed, or are not available on terms that are acceptable to us, our business, operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected, including, without limitation, our ability to add alternative gaming to our racetracks where permitted or improve or expand our operations as planned.

        We believe that our current cash resources, cash flow from our racing and real estate operations, including proceeds from the anticipated sales of Non-Core Real Estate and other assets will be sufficient to finance our operations and our maintenance capital expenditure program during the next year. We are currently in active discussions to secure additional financing and sources of funds from, and may enter into transactions with, a variety of public and private sources, which could include MID.

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Contractual Obligations

        Our commitments to make future payments consist primarily of repayments of long-term debt including capital lease obligations and an amount due to our parent, obligations under operating and facility leases, construction commitments and other long-term liabilities. Our contractual obligations at December 31, 2004 are as follows:

(1)

Operating lease obligations do not include contingent rental payments.

Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        Our primary exposure to market risk related to financial instruments (or the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices) is with respect to our investments in companies with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar. Fluctuations in the U.S. dollar exchange rate relative to the Canadian dollar and the Euro will result in fluctuations in shareholders' equity and comprehensive income. We have generally not entered into derivative financial arrangements for currency hedging purposes, and have not and will not enter into such arrangements for speculative purposes.

        Additionally, we are exposed to interest rate risk. Interest rates are sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors that are beyond our control.

        Our future earnings, cash flows and fair values relating to financial instruments are primarily dependent upon prevalent market rates of interest, such as LIBOR and EURIBOR. Based on interest rates at December 31, 2004 and our current credit facilities, a 1% per annum increase or decrease in interest rates on our short-term credit facility and other variable rate borrowings would not materially affect our annual future earnings and cash flows. Based on borrowing rates currently available to us, the carrying amount of our debt approximates its fair value.

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        In order to mitigate a portion of the interest rate risk associated with The Santa Anita Companies, Inc. term loan facility, we have entered into an interest rate swap contract. Under the terms of this contract, we receive a LIBOR based variable interest rate and pay a fixed rate of 5.38% on a notional amount of 40% of the outstanding balance under the credit facility, which is $73.8 million as at December 31, 2004. The maturity date of this contract is October 31, 2007.

Accounting Developments

        Under Staff Accounting Bulletin 74, we are required to disclose certain information related to new accounting standards, which have not yet been adopted due to delayed effective dates.

        On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment" ("Statement 123(R)"), which is a revision of SFAS 123. Statement 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25 ("APB 25") and amends FASB Statement No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows. Generally, the approach in Statement 123(R) is similar to the approach described in SFAS 123, however, Statement 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the statement of operations based on their fair values. Pro-forma disclosure is no longer an alternative. As permitted by Statement 123, the Company currently accounts for share-based payments to employees using APB 25's intrinsic value method and, as such, generally recognizes no compensation cost for employee stock options. Accordingly, the adoption of Statement 123(R)'s fair value method will have a significant impact on the results of operations, although it will have no impact on the Company's overall financial position. The impact of adoption of Statement 123(R) cannot be predicted at this time because it will depend on levels of share-based payments granted in the future, however, had the Company adopted Statement 123(R) in prior periods, the impact of that standard would have approximated the impact of Statement 123 as described in the disclosure of pro-forma net loss and loss per share in Note 20 to our consolidated financial statements. Statement 123(R) also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after adoption. Statement 123(R) must be adopted no later than July 1, 2005. The Company is currently reviewing the Statement, but has not yet determined the methodology it will follow for implementation, or the impact on the Company's financial statements.

        The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has recently announced that the use of the residual method to value acquired assets other than goodwill is prohibited. Instead, a direct value method must be used to determine the fair value of intangible assets. The SEC announcement is effective for business combinations consummated after September 29, 2004 and also requires companies to perform the annual impairment test using a direct value method on all identifiable assets that were previously valued using the residual method no later than the beginning of January 1, 2005. Although the Company is currently reviewing this announcement, the impact, if any, on the Company's financial statements has not yet been determined.

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Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information contained in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this Annual Report.

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Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

To the Shareholders of Magna Entertainment Corp.

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Magna Entertainment Corp. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Magna Entertainment Corp. at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

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MAGNA ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)