by Frank Angst

The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority does not plan to jump into the purse dispute that currently has horsemen at odds with Churchill Downs.

At Monday’s regular meeting, Kentucky Horse Racing Authority Chairman Robert Beck Jr. said preliminary legal research indicates the matter is a private contract that will have to be resolved by the involved parties.

“As I say, that’s preliminary,” Beck said.

Kentucky horsemen’s groups say a 20% purse cut by Churchill Downs is a retaliatory action targeted at the horsemen, who have blocked the track from exporting its signal to many advance-deposit-wagering outlets. Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association President Rick Hiles said the purse account is down less than 1%, warranting, at most, a 5% to 7% cut.

Churchill Downs General Manager Jim Gates said track handle was off at the Louisville track’s fall meet and simulcasting revenue was down at the track in the winter and spring.

“We could have started the meet with lower purse levels,” Gates said, explaining that the track had been optimistic that it would reach initial purse levels with a strong Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (G1) week.

All-source wagering on the Derby day card was down 2% compared with last year.

Hiles said horsemen are considering an invitation from Churchill to reopen talks. The Kentucky HBPA also is considering legal action.

Frank Angst is senior writer for Thoroughbred Times