Calder officials have announced a 5-percent purse increase, beginning with
Thursday’s racing program.
The increase is applied evenly to base overnight purses, excluding overnight
stakes, Florida Owners Awards (FOAs), and maiden special weight races; the
latter two were both increased last month.
“Purse contributions from slot machine gaming offered through the Calder
Casino have been better than expected,” Calder Vice President & General Manager
John Marshall said. “As always, we’ll continue to manage the purse account
responsibly.”
Thoroughbred owner Phil Combest, who assumed the role of Florida Horsemen’s
Benevolent & Protective Association president late last week, offered a positive
comment.
“We’re pleased to see that Calder is implementing this five percent increase
after the initial purse bump last month,” Combest said. “Hopefully, we’ll be
able to build on this momentum and see further increases going forward into the
meet.”
Calder announced a 7.5-percent purse increase to base overnight purses on June
3. Thursday’s increase brings Calder’s average daily purses, including stakes,
up to $230,000 in 2011 from $209,000 in 2010 and $187,000 in 2009.
The 2011 Calder Meet began on April 25 and runs through September 30. The
Tropical Meet will be held from October 1 through December 2.