Calder reopens as Gulfstream Park West

A new era in Florida racing begins Wednesday when the inaugural Fall Turf

Festival is run at Gulfstream Park West, formerly known as

Calder Race Course.

The Fall Turf Festival will be operated by the management of Gulfstream Park.

More than $2.5 million has been invested so far in the 44-day boutique meet

which will attract many of the country's top stables, including Todd Pletcher,

Nick Zito, Bill Mott, Chad Brown, Eddie Plesa Jr., Marty Wolfson, David Fawkes,

Wesley Ward, Ralph Nicks and Christophe Clement.

Parking and admission is free. The first floor grandstand and paddock view

concession stand have been cleaned and painted and will be open. What was

formerly a smoker's lounge on the first floor has been sanitized and will serve

as a horsemen's lounge and VIP section.

First race post is 1:05 p.m. (EDT) through November 1. First race post will

be 12:35 p.m. (EST) beginning November 2. Racing will be conducted Wednesday

through Monday with the exceptions being October 15 and November 10, 12, and 24.

There will be live racing on Veterans Day, November 11.

There will be a limited simulcast wagering menu at Gulfstream Park West on

live race days and simulcast wagering will end after the last race from Santa

Anita. Gulfstream Park will remain open throughout the Fall Turf Festival for

all simulcasts.

Gulfstream, which is leasing the racing facility as part of a six-year

agreement with Churchill Downs, has not only cleaned and re-branded the front

side but has also refurbished the dormant turf course and done extensive

renovations on 15 barns.

"Our agreement is going to allow us to rejuvenate the fall racing season in

Florida with quality horses and quality racing," said Gulfstream President Tim

Ritvo. "We have spent considerable time and energy making changes at Gulfstream

Park West not only for the horsemen but also the fans. While Gulfstream will

remain open for simulcasting, we want the local community to feel welcome and

comfortable at Gulfstream Park West.

"The Stronach Group's initiative is to improve racing for the fans. horsemen

and breeders over the long-term."

The 44-day boutique meet will feature 23 stakes races worth a total of $1.775

million. Highlights include the $600,000 Sunshine Millions Preview Day,

featuring eight $75,000 stakes races for Florida-breds, on November 8 as well as

the $100,000 Tropical Turf Handicap and $100,000 My Charmer, both Grade 3

events, on November 22.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com