Churchill Downs Inc. and the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association came to terms on a 2008 purse contract for Calder Race Course and on a contract for slot machines whenever the gambling machines begin operations at the Miami-area track.

The agreement means simulcast will once again be available on Calder’s races, effective this Thursday. The agreement is for simulcasting but not account wagering.  

 A statement from CDI said negotiations will continue to resolve issues related to the distribution of revenue from account wagering.

 According to a press release, Florida horsemen are guaranteed $14.375 million for purses in the first three full years of the slots operation and 6.75% of slot revenue for the remainder of the 10-year term. Additional provisions provide for the horsemen to share in the upside should the Calder slot facility generate specified slot revenue minimums in the second and third full years of operations.

CDI said it has agreed to drop without prejudice its lawsuit filed April 24 against the FHBPA and its officers.  The suit, which alleged violations under the Sherman Antitrust Act, will continue against the remaining parties, including the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group, a newly formed company that is negotiating purse contracts on behalf of numerous state horsemen’s organizations.

By Ray Paulick

Copyright ©2008, The Paulick Report