Magna Entertainment Corp. - Media Release

    AURORA, ON, Oct. 10 /CNW/ - Magna Entertainment Corp. ("MEC" or the
"Company") (NASDAQ: MECA; TSX: MEC.A) announced today that it has recently
formally adopted a company-wide policy promoting the humane treatment of
racehorses. Under the policy, any trainer or owner stabling at an MEC facility
who directly or indirectly participates in the transport of a horse from an
MEC facility to either a slaughterhouse or an auction house engaged in selling
horses for slaughter will be prohibited from having stalls at any MEC
facility. The policy also applies to any actions related to the transport of a
horse from an MEC facility where the ultimate intended result is the horse's
slaughter.

    Ron Charles, Chief Operating Officer of MEC and President of Santa Anita
Park, commented: "MEC is extremely pleased to formally adopt a policy to
further encourage the humane treatment of racehorses. We intend this to be one
in a series of steps that will be taken in an effort to protect our equine
athletes. Consistent with the long-standing vision of Frank Stronach and
management at our racetracks, the policy signifies the Company's strong intent
to deal only with those trainers and owners who have the welfare of racehorses
as their primary concern."

    Frank Stronach, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MEC commented,
"Since the inception of MEC, we have taken care to protect the health and
safety of customers, workers and equine athletes participating in activities
at all of our facilities. The goal of the policy is to forewarn industry
participants who participate in the slaughter of racehorses that they are not
welcome at any of our facilities across the country. I hope other racetrack
owners formally adopt similar policies".

    MEC, North America's largest owner and operator of horse racetracks,
based on revenue, develops, owns and operates horse racetracks and related
pari-mutuel wagering operations, including off-track betting facilities. MEC
also develops, owns and operates casinos in conjunction with its racetracks
where permitted by law. MEC owns and operates AmTote International, Inc., a
provider of totalisator services to the pari-mutuel industry, XpressBet(R), a
national Internet and telephone account wagering system, as well as
MagnaBet(TM) internationally. Pursuant to joint ventures, MEC has a fifty
percent interest in HorseRacing TV(R), a 24-hour horse racing television
network, and TrackNet Media Group LLC, a content management company formed for
distribution of the full breadth of MEC's horse racing content.

For further information: Ron Charles, Chief Operating Officer, Magna
Entertainment Corp., (626) 574-7223