Calder raises purses 5 percent

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.