Churchill Downs Inc., the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective
Association (HBPA) and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association (KTA) have reached
agreement on a three-year contract that establishes levels of race purses at the
home of the Kentucky Derby (G1). In addition, the Kentucky HBPA and CDI have
agreed to dismiss their claims against one another in a lawsuit filed in United
States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky in 2008. The
agreement follows the expiration of the previous contract following the historic
track’s 2009 Spring Meet.
Churchill Downs has also agreed to provide a $1.5 million supplement to race
purses divided evenly over the three years of the horsemen’s agreement. That
commitment includes a provision that would allow the track to distribute a
greater share of that supplement early in the three-year period, should race
purses at Churchill Downs drop below anticipated levels.
“Churchill Downs is very pleased to be part of this long-term agreement that
is good for horsemen, Churchill Downs, Kentucky’s embattled horse industry and
racing fans in Kentucky and throughout North America,” said Kevin Flanery,
president of Churchill Downs racetrack. “This three-year pact between our track
and horsemen comes at a crucial time for Kentucky’s horse industry as horses and
horsemen are leaving our state to pursue the growing purses and breeding
incentives that exist in states with slots and other expanded wagering options
at their racetracks.
“Decisions are being made daily on where to breed and race in 2010 and
beyond, and once horsemen, stallions and mares leave Kentucky, it will be very
difficult to get them to return. Churchill Downs’ commitment to provide an
additional $1.5 million to purses is an effort to protect Kentucky racing from
states that supplement their races with expanded gaming revenues. Our hope is
that the purse supplement will help keep a few more horses and horsemen in
Kentucky through 2010 while our united horse industry works for the passage of
legislation that would allow additional gaming at racetracks and level our
competitive playing field with tracks and breeding operations in those rival
states.”
“It’s a good contract — I think it’s good for both parties,” KHBPA President
Rick Hiles said. “I think it’s going to work out well for the horsemen and for
Churchill Downs. We’re glad to get this behind us and we look forward to working
together over the next three years in the effort to get all of Kentucky racing
back on track.”
“The KTA appreciates the professional and unified manner we experienced in
working with Churchill Downs in our recent negotiations for a contract renewal,”
KTA President Don Robinson said. “We believe all parties, owners, trainers and
the track will benefit as racing continues in these troubled economic times.”