Purse increases take effect starting Thursday

Purses will increase 10 percent at Gulfstream Park beginning Thursday, while trainers also will receive a $250 starter incentive to help offset the costs of workers’ compensation.

The purse increase is the result of the dates agreement between Gulfstream and Calder that eliminated the neighboring tracks’ head-to-head conflict, which had plagued south Florida racing for the past year. Since the agreement was signed, Gulfstream’s handle and field sizes have increased significantly.

“The solid increases we’ve seen in field size and handle confirms our long-held belief that a dates agreement would benefit racing and horsemen,” Gulfstream president Tim Ritvo said. “Our strategy is to continue building Florida racing for our bettors, horsemen, and breeders and create a healthy year-round racing program.”

The starter incentive will continue through Oct. 4, while Gulfstream officials continue to work on a long-term solution with horsemen to the workers’ compensation issue.

Phil Combest, president of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, said, “Florida horsemen are excited about summer racing again for the first time in years. A purse increase, starter incentive, the best field sizes in the country, and a track that is marketing and publicizing the sport – why wouldn’t we be optimistic?”