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Kentucky Derby Simulcast in Doubt in South Florida
MIAMI, FLORIDA --
A dispute between the Florida Horsemen's Association and Calder Race Track may result in the whole of South Florida not receiving simulcast wagering for Saturday's Kentucky Derby. A disagreement over the structure of purse contracts on local races has caused a potential blackout for gamblers looking to watch and bet on the annual Run for the Roses.
Calder horsemen are seeking a larger share of wagers put on simulcasts around the country of their races, as well as guarantees if slots are introduced at the Dade County track. Until their terms are met, the state association is utilizing its legal right to refuse the allowance of simulcasting from Calder.
In order to show solidarity with their brethren horsemen, the Kentucky association is responding by refusing the rights from Churchill Downs to be shown at Calder, which is owned by the Kentucky racetrack. The ban would also affect Gulfstream Park, as well as the harness track at Pompano Park and the Palm Beach Kenel Club.
Other horsemen's groups in Maryland, Ohio, and Delaware have also refused Calder the simulcast rights to their races until the dispute over purses is settled.
According to the president of Calder Race Track, the Derby is the second-highest attended race of the year.
In a sport that is continually in a struggle to keep its head above water, it seems that tracks and horsemen would realize their best chance for survival is to conduct themselves as partners. Fighting amongst themselves only further damages an industry that canot afford such publicity disasters.
Update: Breaking news has a deal being brokered allowing simulcasting of the Derby and all other Churchill Downs events Saturday at both Gulfstream Park and the Palm Beach Kenel Club. Isle of Capri at Pompano Park will have just the Derby race, while Calder is still blacked out.
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