Calder announces stakes, purse cuts

Calder Race Course announced Saturday a 15 percent reduction in overnight

purses to take effect Thursday. This purse cut is in response to the economic

trends evident across the industry and in Florida.

Track officials and the leadership of the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and

Protective Association (FHBPA) have continuously studied the purse position

throughout the meet and these reductions are determined to be the responsible

course of action. A turn-around in weather conditions or a bounce-back in the

industry trends may allow overnights to regain original meet levels during the

Tropical Meet.

Summer rains caused 33 of 40 turf races to be lost in September alone,

resulting in smaller fields and, therefore, affecting the wagering handle. A

total of 127 of 216 turf races have been lost year-to-date (58 percent). Calder

officials and horsemen said the purse committee will continue re-evaluating the

overnight purse position.

Anticipation of purse effects of slots and card room operations remains high

and the casino project remains on schedule.

"Our team at Calder is working diligently to get our slots and poker

operations up and running as soon as possible, which we expect to add

significant dollars to our purse account in the future," said John Marshall,

vice president and general manager of racing.

In addition to the overnight purse reduction, the remaining stakes schedule

has been reduced by $375,000.

The affected stakes are:

The Florida Stallion Stakes series at Calder, which culminates on October 17,

is unaffected.