Calder, breeders reach slots deal

Officials of Churchill Downs Inc. and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association have agreed on a contract to give breeders .75 percent of slot revenue during the 10-year term of the contract when Calder Race Course begins slots operations at a yet-to-be-determined date.

Churchill Downs Inc., which owns Calder, signed a similar slots contract with the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association earlier this summer.

"The agreements we have signed with the FHBPA and the FTBOA allow us to focus on finalizing our plans for the construction and operations of a slots facility at Calder," said Kevin Flanery, senior vice president of Churchill Downs Inc. "We estimate at this time that horsemen and breeders should realize approximately $50 million, potentially, from our efforts over the term of the agreement."

From the start of the Calder meet, April 21, until the agreement on slots splits in July, horsemen refused Calder permission to export its signal out of state. The slots agreement with the horsemen helped pave the way for a purse contract, ending the blackout.