CDSN signals still withheld

With no resolution to a simulcast rate dispute, the Churchill Downs Simulcast Network signals were withheld from the 17 tracks that make up the Southern Racing Cooperative for the third straight day on Saturday.

Despite the standoff, negotiations continued Saturday evening and seem to be progressing, according to officials from both Churchill and the cooperative.

The disruption of signal trade between the two groups started Tuesday when the cooperative tracks declined to take the signal from Hollywood Park, reportedly over a proposed rate increase for some of the cooperative member tracks. Two days later, CDSN withheld all of its signals from the cooperative. The parties are in the midst of an agreement that runs through 2004.

The member tracks of the cooperative are Beulah Park, Delta Downs, Fair Grounds, Fonner Park, Gillespie County Fair, Gulf Greyhound, Lone Star Park, Manor Downs, The Downs at Albuquerque, Oaklawn, Sun Ray Park, Prairie Meadows, Retama Park, Ruidoso Downs, Sam Houston Race Park, Sunland Park, and Tampa Bay Downs.