Kentucky simulcast stalemate continues

A dispute over simulcasting fees continues to drag along as races from Monarch Contract Management tracks such as Del Mar, Gulfstream, and Monmouth continue to be unavailable at Ellis and all simulcast facilities in Kentucky.

Ellis owner Ron Geary said in a prepared statement this week: “We believe our fans understand the impact of getting blindsided with a demand for a 42 percent rate hike right as we were preparing for, and are now busy with, our live race meet. . . . Our invitation to Del Mar and the other tracks negotiating under the Monarch banner remains to thoughtfully negotiate what is financially feasible for all parties for 2018 later this fall after we get our live race meet behind us. We’re particularly interested in a multi-year contract in order to avoid the situation that we find ourselves in now.”

Ellis is the designated “host” track for Kentucky through Sept. 4, and as such controls what out-of-state signals can be offered at in-state simulcast facilities, including Churchill Downs in Louisville, The Red Mile in Lexington, and Turfway Park in northern Kentucky. Wagering is still available on the Monarch tracks in Kentucky through online advance-deposit wagering sites.

Ellis will show the TVG feed (without wagering) of the San Diego Handicap featuring Arrogate on Saturday.