Gulfstream Park announces purse increase, starter incentive
Jul 17, 2014 22:04:58 GMT -5
Post by Evelyn on Jul 17, 2014 22:04:58 GMT -5
Gulfstream Park announces purse increase, starter incentive
Brisnet
Gulfstream Park announced Thursday it will increase purses an average of 10 percent starting with the July 24 condition book and also offer a $250 starter incentive to help horsemen offset the cost of workers' compensation.
Gulfstream's purse increase is the result of an agreement signed July 1 between Gulfstream and Calder that ended a dates conflict and head-to-head racing. Since the agreement was signed, Gulfstream's total handle and field size has increased significantly.
Gulfstream has also made significant strides in reinvigorating the Florida two-year-old program and the $1.4 million Florida Sire Stakes, which begins August 9.
"The solid increases we've seen in field size and handle confirms our long-held belief that a dates agreement would benefit racing and horsemen," Gulfstream President Tim Ritvo said. "Our strategy is to continue building Florida racing for our bettors, horsemen and breeders and create a healthy year-round racing program.
"Because of our increase in handle we will offer a $250 starter bonus to our horsemen through October 4 to help offset the cost of workers' compensation. While this will help in the short-term, our goal continues to work with horsemen on a long-term solution to workers' compensation."
Phil Combest, president of the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA), expressed his satisfaction with the move.
"Florida horsemen are excited about summer racing again for the first time in years," Combest said. "A purse increase, starter incentive, the best field sizes in the country, and a track that is marketing and publicizing the sport. Why wouldn't we be optimistic."
Brisnet
Gulfstream Park announced Thursday it will increase purses an average of 10 percent starting with the July 24 condition book and also offer a $250 starter incentive to help horsemen offset the cost of workers' compensation.
Gulfstream's purse increase is the result of an agreement signed July 1 between Gulfstream and Calder that ended a dates conflict and head-to-head racing. Since the agreement was signed, Gulfstream's total handle and field size has increased significantly.
Gulfstream has also made significant strides in reinvigorating the Florida two-year-old program and the $1.4 million Florida Sire Stakes, which begins August 9.
"The solid increases we've seen in field size and handle confirms our long-held belief that a dates agreement would benefit racing and horsemen," Gulfstream President Tim Ritvo said. "Our strategy is to continue building Florida racing for our bettors, horsemen and breeders and create a healthy year-round racing program.
"Because of our increase in handle we will offer a $250 starter bonus to our horsemen through October 4 to help offset the cost of workers' compensation. While this will help in the short-term, our goal continues to work with horsemen on a long-term solution to workers' compensation."
Phil Combest, president of the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA), expressed his satisfaction with the move.
"Florida horsemen are excited about summer racing again for the first time in years," Combest said. "A purse increase, starter incentive, the best field sizes in the country, and a track that is marketing and publicizing the sport. Why wouldn't we be optimistic."