Churchill signal dispute continues

The rift between the Churchill Downs Simulcast Network and the Southern Racing Cooperative moved into a second week on Monday when the Churchill network did not simulcast its only track racing, Calder Race Course, to the 17 tracks in the cooperative.

The dispute between the two groups started Nov. 11, when the cooperative chose not to import the opening-day program from Hollywood Park, owned by Churchill Downs Inc., reportedly over a rate increase for some of the tracks in the cooperative. Two days later, CDSN withdrew all of its signals from the cooperative, including Churchill Downs, Hollywood, Calder and Hoosier Park.

Talks between the parties have been ongoing daily, although no resolution had been reached as of late afternoon Monday.

"There's nothing new right now," said Karl Schmitt, president of CDSN.

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