NEWS
Churchill, Kentucky horsemen reach three-year purse deal
Posted: Friday, October 23, 2009 6:13 PM
Churchill Downs Inc., the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association have reached agreement on a three-year contract that establishes purse levels at Churchill Downs.
Additionally, the Kentucky HBPA and Churchill Downs Inc. agreed to dismiss their claims against one another in a lawsuit filed in 2008 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The agreement follows the expiration of the previous contract following the Louisville track’s 2009 spring meet.
Churchill Downs also has agreed to provide a $1.5-million supplement to race purses divided evenly over the three years of the horsemen’s agreement. It includes a provision that would allow the track to distribute a greater share of that supplement early in the three-year period should purses at Churchill Downs drop below anticipated levels.
"Churchill Downs is very pleased to be part of this long-term agreement that is good for horsemen, Churchill Downs, Kentucky’s embattled horse industry, and racing fans in Kentucky and throughout North America," said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs racetrack.
"This three-year pact between our track and horsemen comes at a crucial time for Kentucky’s horse industry as horses and horsemen are leaving our state to pursue the growing purses and breeding incentives that exist in states with slots and other expanded wagering options at their racetracks. Decisions are being made daily on where to breed and race in 2010 and beyond, and once horsemen, stallions, and mares leave Kentucky, it will be very difficult to get them to return.
“Churchill Downs’ commitment to provide an additional $1.5-million to purses is an effort to protect Kentucky racing from states that supplement their races with expanded gaming revenues. Our hope is that the purse supplement will help keep a few more horses and horsemen in Kentucky through 2010 while our united horse industry works for the passage of legislation that would allow additional gaming at racetracks and level our competitive playing field with tracks and breeding operations in those rival states."
Rick Hiles, president of the Kentucky HBPA, said he thinks the agreement is good for both parties.
"I think it’s going to work out well for the horsemen and for Churchill Downs,” Hiles said. “We’re glad to get this behind us and we look forward to working together over the next three years in the effort to get all of Kentucky racing back on track."
