Del Mar reduces purses, stakes affected

Del Mar has announced a 3.5 percent purse reduction beginning August 13, the

first time it has done so in 30 years.

Cuts will amount to about $10,000 per day, according to the track's chief

financial officer, Michael Ernst. Part of the reduction will mean a $50,000 cut

in the purses of the August 16 Del Mar Oaks (G1) and the August 31 Del Mar Derby

(G2), which will now be worth $350,000 each.

Also being reduced by $25,000 to $100,000 each are the Solana Beach H. on

August 17, the El Cajon S. on August 29, and the Torrey Pines S. on August 31.

According to track officials during a press conference Friday, the cut was

triggered by a downturn in on-track handle and a slowdown in account wagering

business because an experiment on account wagering that benefited Santa Anita

and Hollywood Park was not extended to Del Mar because no agreement could be

reached.

"Had we got that accomplished," Ernst said, "we would not be having this

conversation."

Television Games Network (TVG), which has exclusive broadcast rights to Del

Mar's racing, refused to allow other advanced deposit wagering firms to take

wager on Del Mar races during the current meet.