Kathy Davey, Secretary
Meeting led by P.J. Campo
- Beginning Sunday March 30 two-year-olds can be trained after the 1st break.
- Management will look into putting up a “minutes to post” clock in the paddock area.
- Stall allotment letters will be going out over the next few days. Management expects approximately 1500 horses on the grounds at Gulfstream (1300) and Palm Meadows (200+).
- Rocks on the track on the “tent turn” and the condition of the ramp to the track from the tent barns are issues that will be addressed on the upcoming dark days.
- The issue of standing water between barns 21 and 22 was discussed. Over the summer, the plan is to add a gutter system, cut the grass growing there, and add fill so water can reach the drainage system.
- This summer there will be a plan to “sterilize the barns.” A “Swing Barn” will be designated for each barn’s horses to move into on a rotating basis. Each barn will take about a week.
- Current race date plans for the summer meet are: racing 3 x per week through June (state approval is expected); 3 x week from July 1 through next June 30. This is the worst case scenario and race dates would increase if and when there is a deal with Calder. Note that it is easier to add dates than it is to remove them. There will be a minimum of 8 races per day and up to 11 or 12 depending on the horse population.
- Purses for the summer meet are expected to be between $200,000 and $250,000/day; hopefully more.
- There will be an incentive to run horses for the coming summer meet. It is not decided yet how much and whether there will be a sliding scale depending on various factors, e.g. where a horse finishes, or the purse structure/conditions of the race, etc. Discussions continue.
- Claiming Rule changes: Effective April 7, 2014, in order to be eligible to claim at Gulfstream, you must start a horse at Gulfstream on or after April 7, 2014. If you have lost your last horse in the past 30 days or are a first time owner, you may qualify to claim under other rules laid out in the house rules. Any horse claimed at Gulfstream Park on or after April 7, 2014 will not be eligible to run at any other racetrack until the 90th day after the date of the claim.
- Management is looking into whether or not Trainers’ Liability Insurance is necessary and mandatory.
- Claiming slips have been modified and clarified to include a place to add an “authorized owner.”
- TV cable is in the process of being added to all dorm rooms.
- We are waiting for a proposal to add WiFi to the backside.
- A Charity Fund Raiser and Silent Auction to benefit disabled jockeys will be held March 31. Details to follow.
- NBC will broadcast the Florida Derby.
- Horsemen are asked to park in the stable area on Florida Derby Day, since parking space will be severely limited. After the Pegasus statue is up (~ July), the entire parking system will be re-configured.
- Legislative Notes: It is looking more likely that the definition of horse racing will be written into the statutes this legislative session. Destination Casinos appear to be “out” this session; GPTARP is back on the table with a less than 50/50 chance of getting through.
- Chaplain’s Notes: Gulfstream Barbeques at GP and Palm Meadows were a grand success. Thanks to the many who donated time, money, and food.