Golden State Racing unable to make purse deal with TOC for Pleasanton meet

Purse levels for the upcoming Golden State Racing meeting in Pleasanton, Calif., remained unresolved as of Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours before the first-ever race season is subject to the approval of the California Horse Racing Board at its monthly meeting in Sacramento.

Golden State Racing organizers have scheduled a nine-week meeting from Oct. 19 to Dec. 15 on the Alameda county fairgrounds to replace dates previously run at Golden Gate Fields in Albany, which closed permanently in June.

Golden State Racing, a consortium of owners, trainers, and breeders working with the California Authority of Racing Fairs, has proposed an average of $147,000 in purses on a daily basis, while the Thoroughbred Owners of California are seeking an average of $170,000.

Bill Nader, president of the TOC, said on Wednesday morning that the issue will more than likely be decided “in front of the board.”

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“We’re not there,” he said of the negotiations. “I don’t think we’re that far apart.”

Golden State Racing officials recently expressed concern that a higher daily purse distribution could lead to an overpayment in prize money and a purse cut in the future.

Earlier this year, the two sides agreed on a plan for three days of racing per week, an average of eight races per day, and a daily purse distribution of $170,000.

This year, tracks in the state have struggled to maintain handle levels to cover purses. Del Mar, Los Alamitos, and Santa Anita in Southern California have reduced purse levels because of lower handle.

The state’s tracks do not have alternative gaming, such as slot machines or casinos, to help finance purse levels.

At Thursday’s meeting, the racing board will review the track’s application for the Golden State Racing meeting, which details a wide array of subjects ranging from purses and racing dates to issues such as ambulance protocols and marketing budgets.

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