Gulfstream and Calder End Dates War
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Gulfstream Park and the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association signed off on an agreement May 23 that will end the current dates wars between Gulfstream and Calder Casino & Race Course in South Florida.
A statement on the deal characterized the agreement as one that will "substantially change the landscape of racing in South Florida...and will result in the vast majority of the race days being conducted at Gulfstream."
Specific terms of the agreement were not released, but executives with the FHBPA and Gulfstream both said they were pleased with the final deal, which provides financial safeguards for both sides.
"We are anxious to move ahead, and we remain committed to building a strong Florida Thoroughbred program," said Tim Ritvo, president of Gulfstream, in a joint statement with the FHBPA.
No change will occur with the 230 minimum number of days to be run during each calendar year in South Florida. Gulfstream purses are expected to show an almost immediate jump once the deal is formalized.
Phil Combest, president of the FHBPA, said in the statement: "This is a great deal for the horsemen, for Gulfstream and for South Florida racing, in general. We're all very grateful to Gulfstream and Mr. Stronach for working with us to find a means to bring racing back to the level it should be on a year-round basis.
"Next step is to get the whole deal approved up in Tallahassee. Once that's done, it's full speed ahead and I'm certain that with the dedication that Tim Ritvo and his team have already exhibited, we're all looking at a much brighter future."