Calder on Monday amended its race dates request for the 2011-2012 racing
season as part of its final dates submission to the Florida Department of Pari-Mutuel
Wagering. Calder’s amended request calls for live racing from July 1, 2011,
through December 2, 2011, and from April 9, 2012, through June 30, 2012. Calder
plans to conduct a total of 150 live racing programs during the calendar year of
2011.
Gulfstream Park also amended its dates request on Monday and will race 87
days from December 3, 2011, through April 8, 2012. This will be the first time
in memory that Gulfstream will conduct racing in December, a month traditionally
part of Calder’s Tropical meeting.
“We are planning a racing schedule for the upcoming season that will position
Calder to continue leading South Florida and the nation in the training and
development of juvenile racehorses as they begin their careers while providing
year-round stabling and training facilities for horsemen and horsewomen who call
Florida home,” Calder’s Vice President and General Manager John Marshall said.
“Calder and its parent company, Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI), are deeply committed
to Thoroughbred racing in South Florida and to the local horsemen who stable
with us year round and form the backbone of the entire region’s racing product.
We are also deeply committed to the fans and customers of Thoroughbred racing
both in Florida and around the country.
“In late 2011 and into 2012, we are trying something different. Calder will
end live racing on December 2, 2011, and resume live racing on April 9, 2012. We
think this schedule gives the local South Florida horsemen the best opportunity
to generate a competitive product while maximizing regional racing
opportunities.”