Exhibit 23


                        Consent of Independent Auditors



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-32414) pertaining to the Long-Term Incentive Plan of Magna
Entertainment Corp. of our report dated December 22, 2000, with respect to the
combined financial statements of Bay Meadows Operating Company, LLC and Bay
Meadows Catering included in this Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March
27, 2001 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                   Ernst & Young LLP

San Francisco, California
March 27, 2001