Kathy Davey, Secretary
Meeting led by P.J. Campo
- Florida Derby weekend was a great success. GP appreciates the horsemen’s participation, patience, and performance. Attendance and handle were spectacular – $3.8M on the Derby alone; $9.8M overall. And most especially – no rain!!
- Rumors that the Calder/Gulfstream deal is done, are just that – rumors. The talks continue and the prospects are good that a deal is near, but it’s not done ’til it’s done. Stay tuned.
- The State has officially approved Gulfstream’s three day race week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) through June 30. One exception is Memorial Day weekend which will be Saturday Sunday and Monday. The State had previously approved three days per week from July 1 through the beginning of the Championship Meet.
- Two-year-olds can now be trained after the 1st break or in daylight. Use good judgement.
- The new Claiming Rule was discussed. Calder has said they won’t honor the part about horses claimed at Gulfstream can’t run elsewhere (read: Calder) for 90 days. Gulfstream has added an additional stipulation that to be eligible to claim here you must have stalls on the grounds or at Palm Meadows.
- There are approximately 200-250 Gulfstream stall requests from Calder-based trainers that have been approved.
- Rocks on the ramp to the track from the tent barns is still an issue and is being addresssed.
- There will be ~ 4 Turf races per day until the end of the current book (through May 4) which will then be reduced to ~ 2 per day using from 76′ out to the outer rail. The inside portion from 76′ in will be rested and refurbished for as long as it takes to get it back into great shape.
- There have been some issues with shavings deliveries and the type of shavings available recently. Management is working on the situation.
- Some statistics of interest, from November 30 through March 31: 832 races vs. 837 last year race size 8.3 vs. 9 last year Turf races 374 vs. 379 48 taken off T vs. 13 last year!