Another group of racetracks won't be importing the signal from Belmont Park beginning April 30 because they collectively have failed to strike a deal on signal rates with the New York Racing Association.
In an April 29 release, the Southern Racing Cooperative, which represents 20 racetracks and their affiliated wagering sites, said it couldn't strike a deal with NYRA. On April 28, the Mid-Atlantic Cooperative, which represents 16 tracks and their off-track betting outlets, said it had failed to reach a deal on the NYRA signal.
The Mid-Atlantic group indicated NYRA had increased its rates. The release from the Southern Racing Cooperative, whose president is Beulah Park general manager Mike Weiss, offered no details on negotiations, though traditionally the cooperatives haven't revealed the signal rates on the table.
Members of the Southern Racing Cooperative include Beulah Park, Lebanon Raceway, Northfield Park, and River Downs in Ohio; Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino in Louisiana; the Downs at Albuquerque, Ruidoso Downs, Sunland Park, Sun Ray Park, and Zia Park in New Mexico; Fonner Park and Horsemen's Park in Nebraska; Hazel Park, Northville Downs, and Sports Creek Raceway in Michigan; Retama Park and Sam Houston Race Park in Texas; Tampa Bay Downs in Florida; Turf Paradise in Arizona; and The Woodlands in Kansas.
The move means almost 40 racetracks in more than 15 states will not offer the popular Belmont signal until an agreement is reached with NYRA. On April 29, a NYRA official said the organization continues to negotiate and hopes to strike a deal soon.
