Calder Casino & Race Course has increased some purses 5% beginning with its July 21 program.
The increase is applied evenly to base overnight purses, excluding overnight stakes, Florida Owners Awards, and maiden special weight races; the latter two categories were increased last month.
“Purse contributions from slot-machine gaming (at) the Calder Casino have been better than expected,” Calder vice president and general manager John Marshall said in a statement. “As always, we’ll continue to manage the purse account responsibly.”
Thoroughbred owner Phil Combest, who on July 14 assumed the role of Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association president, said horsemen hope to “build on this momentum and see further increases going forward into the meet.”
Calder announced a 7.5% increase to base overnight purses June 3. The most recent increase brings average daily purses, including stakes, up to $230,000 in 2011 from $209,000 in 2010 and $187,000 in 2009.
The 2011 Calder meet began April 25 and runs through Sept. 30. The Tropical Park meet at Calder will be held Oct. 1-Dec. 2.
