Gulfstream, Florida HBPA Reach Agreement Concerning "Dates War"
May 23rd, 2014
www.paulickreport.com
by Press Release
Statement from the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association:
Today Gulfstream Park and the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA) signed off on an agreement which will substantially change the landscape of racing in South Florida. This agreement, along with a contract previously negotiated between Gulfstream and Churchill Downs Inc., will end the current dates war between the two tracks and also will result in the vast majority of the race days being conducted at Gulfstream.
The specific terms were not released, but the FHBPA and Gulfstream were both very pleased with the final agreement which provides financial safeguards going forward for both sides. And more importantly, the agreement assures that both parties can now focus on building year-round Florida racing into a much more profitable enterprise for the horsemen and Gulfstream alike.
There will be no change in the minimum number of days which will be run during each calendar year in South Florida. That figure remains at 230. Further, Gulfstream purses should show an almost immediate jump once the deal is formalized.
Phil Combest, President of the FHBPA, added, “This is a great deal for the horsemen, for Gulfstream and for South Florida racing, in general. We’re all very grateful to Gulfstream and Mr. Stronach for working with us to find a means to bring racing back to the level it should be on a year-round basis. Next step is to get the whole deal approved up in Tallahassee. Once that’s done, it’s full speed ahead and I’m certain that with the dedication that Tim Ritvo and his team have already exhibited, we’re all looking at much brighter future.”
Gulfstream Park issued the following statement:
“We appreciate the support and hard work of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA) and all its members these last few months. We also appreciate the confidence they have shown in Gulfstream Park and The Stronach Group’s goal to continue building the sport of Thoroughbred racing.
“We now look forward to working with the horsemen at both facilities, the management of Calder Race Course and the state of Florida to complete this agreement in a timely manner.”
