Calder: Horsemen threaten to block track's export of simulcast signal

The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association intends to withdraw its consent for Calder Race Course to export its own signal to out-of-state sites if the two sides do not agree on a purse contract by July 25, the executive director of the FHBPA said Thursday.

The FHBPA had previously said that it would withdraw consent for the import of simulcast signals if the agreement had not been reached by that date. But Kent Stirling said Thursday that the FHBPA also would bar the export of the signal as well, a maneuver that would cost both sides a far more significant amount of revenue.

Negotiations on the purse agreement have been bogged down by several issues, including stabling and shipping provisions. Calder has been racing since early April without a purse contract with horsemen.