Gulfstream to Increase Overnight Purses 10-15%
Image:
Description:
Photo: Coglianese Photos/Ryan Thompson
The Florida Derby field breaks in front of an empty grandstand at Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park announced May 24 that the South Florida track's overnight purses will be raised 10-15% beginning in June.
"We were very conservative with our purse structure beginning in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Gulfstream vice president of racing Mike Lakow. "Without our casino operating and with no on-track attendance and handle, we had to make adjustments with the purse account. The horsemen have been incredibly understanding and have worked with us throughout this process. We want to thank them for their support, and we're pleased to provide this increase."
Gulfstream Park has been conducting racing without spectators since March 13, and the casino at Gulfstream was closed to the public until further notice the evening of March 16.
The track announced a week out from the March 28 Curlin Florida Derby (G1) that because of the casino closure and loss of on-track handle, the purse for the feature race would be reduced from $1 million to $750,000. On the Florida Derby undercard, the Kitten's Joy Pan American Stakes (G2T) and Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) purses dropped from $250,000 to $200,000, and the Cutler Bay Stakes and Sanibel Island Stakes purses dipped from $125,000 to $100,000.
Gulfstream Park began its spring/summer meet April 2, and the meet continues through Sept. 27. The track is currently racing Thursdays through Sundays and will conduct a 12-race program beginning at 12:45 p.m. ET on Memorial Day, May 25.