Calder Race Course announced Saturday a 15 percent reduction in overnight
purses to take effect Thursday. This purse cut is in response to the economic
trends evident across the industry and in Florida.
Track officials and the leadership of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and
Protective Association (FHBPA) have continuously studied the purse position
throughout the meet and these reductions are determined to be the responsible
course of action. A turn-around in weather conditions or a bounce-back in the
industry trends may allow overnights to regain original meet levels during the
Tropical Meet.
Summer rains caused 33 of 40 turf races to be lost in September alone,
resulting in smaller fields and, therefore, affecting the wagering handle. A
total of 127 of 216 turf races have been lost year-to-date (58 percent). Calder
officials and horsemen said the purse committee will continue re-evaluating the
overnight purse position.
Anticipation of purse effects of slots and card room operations remains high
and the casino project remains on schedule.
“Our team at Calder is working diligently to get our slots and poker
operations up and running as soon as possible, which we expect to add
significant dollars to our purse account in the future,” said John Marshall,
vice president and general manager of racing.
In addition to the overnight purse reduction, the remaining stakes schedule
has been reduced by $375,000.
The affected stakes are:
| Calder Derby (G3) | reduced from $150,000 to $100,000 | |
| Calder Oaks | reduced from $100,000 to $75,000 | |
| $100,000 Frances Genter H. (G3) | canceled for 2009 (Tropical Meet) | |
| $100,000 Fred W. Hooper H. (G3) | canceled for 2009 (Tropical Meet) | |
| $100,000 Tropical Park Oaks | canceled for 2009 (Tropical Meet) |
The Florida Stallion Stakes series at Calder, which culminates on October 17,
is unaffected.