America 1919

The finals this time sprung a surprise: the pre-match favorite, Jack Dempsey, unexpectedly fell in the quarterfinals, causing quite a few people to lose a lot of money.

The final match was between an unknown American boxer and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert!

After ten hard-fought rounds, the American boxer ultimately lifted the first UFC Golden Belt, achieving instant fame.

After attending the awards ceremony, Donnie hurried back to Atlantic City to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for Block Sports Stadium!

Just when Donnie thought that any issues with the stadium or the Apollo Chain would only arise after construction, problems cropped up ahead of schedule!

And it wasn't the Apollo Chain, but the Racing Club that was the cause!

"They're protesting against our establishment of the Racing Club in Kentucky?"

When Donnie heard the news, he felt it was as ridiculous as someone thousands of miles away insisting on telling him that watching videos was unhealthy, especially videos of gyrating long legs while he was peacefully scrolling at home.

Winston Marl explained the situation with horse racing in Kentucky to Donnie!

Horse racing culture has had a history of over a century in the United States, and among all states, it is most fervent in Kentucky.

On the United States quarter, there is the image of a majestic horse next to a paddock fence with the state's famous Federal Hill mansion in the distance.

And this coin represents Kentucky!

Horse racing history in Kentucky even predates Kentucky's admission to the Union. At the end of the 18th century, horse racing had already become popular in the state's capital, Louisville, where, due to a lack of formal racetracks, races were held on Market Street in the city center.

However, this bustling downtown street was clearly not fit for bearing the burden of horse racing competitions.

By 1805, a proper racetrack was built on Shippingport Island, and in the following years, racetracks like Elm Tree Garden, Hope Distillery Course, Pit Funk's Beargrass Racing Track, Oakland Course, and Woodlawn Course sprang up like mushrooms after the rain.

Until 1873, a man named Meriwether Clark wanted to establish a racetrack that would honor the state's century-long thriving thoroughbred breeding industry.

To build the racetrack, Clark came up with a plan to mooch funds.

He raised money by selling memberships, with each member required to contribute 100 US dollars.

32 members helped Clark raise a total of 32,000 US dollars. He rented 80 acres of land three miles south of downtown Louisville from his two uncles, John Churchill and Henry Churchill, built the racetrack, and named it after them.

This is Louisville's most renowned Churchill Downs Racetrack.

Put simply, horse racing means to Kentucky what the casino industry means to Atlantic City.

The entire state has countless people depending on this industry for their livelihoods.

"Even so, there's no need for Kentucky to protest against us. Horse racing events are abundant across the United States, it's not just us. What's more, we haven't even started building our racetrack yet!"

Donnie still couldn't understand the actions of those in Kentucky. Before this, Atlantic City had its own horse racing events which they didn't protest, and they didn't protest other states' events either. Why did they start protesting when it came to his venture?

Winston Marl replied with a wry smile, "It might be because you and Atlantic City are too famous, boss. Other places' horse racing events are only held occasionally, so they naturally don't affect Kentucky's horse racing activities much.

But our case is different, our investment promotion work has already been underway, and many people already know that we are going to hold a structured horse racing event. Such a situation naturally touches on the interests of Kentucky, and I believe this is the reason for their protest march!"

Donnie waved his hand dismissively, not taking the issue seriously as he believed Kentucky's protests would have no impact on their plans.

Seeing Donnie undisturbed by the issue, Winston Marl reminded him again, "Boss, you really can't ignore this. Kentucky is the heartland of purebred horses in the United States, and it's also a very suitable place for horse breeding.

If we want our Racing Club to shoot to fame at once, we will need the participation of Kentucky's purebred horses, even their famous ones. Only then can we attract more spectators.

You could say that their protest could be more damaging to us than our suppliers suddenly refusing to supply us!"

Donnie raised an eyebrow and said, "Money talks; if we set a high enough prize, won't they come to participate?"

Winston Marl shook his head, "It's difficult. We don't have a place suitable for horse breeding, and you also said you want to make our Racing Club a membership-based one, where only the members' horses can participate in our races. Their first choice would definitely be Louisville's purebred horses, and I think they, to protect their interests, would not allow their horse traders to do so!"