On July 27, Southeast Florida’s Gulfstream Park began its fourth head-to-head horseracing weekend, with the track holding a nearly 2-1 edge in pari-mutuel handle, according to Jim Freer in BloodHorse.com.
This first summer meet is part of an ongoing battle between Gulfstream and Calder Casino & Race Course in Miami Gardens over full-card horseracing simulcasts, which could have as much economic impact as head-to-head racing.
In the first six head-to-head race days, Gulfstream reported an average daily all-source income of about $2.5 million.
In May, both Gulfstream and Tampa Bay Downs began operating under a new understanding of Florida law so they could become year-round host tracks with support from the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.
Calder representatives reject claims that it will have to drop some race dates due to the new competition with Gulfstream and Tampa Bay Downs.
By running races July 1 and June 30, the first and last days of a Florida fiscal year, Gulfstream and Tampa Bay Downs can simulcast host throughout the year, without holding regular races.
Some reports say the two tracks have taken business away from Calder, but the tracks do not make available customer lists.
Calder has filed a complaint with the Florida DPMW, asking them to review state laws and rules to determine the validity of allowing Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream to become year-round simulcast tracks. Calder hopes they will repeal the year-round status for the two competitors, or not renew their approval for the 2014-15 fiscal year.
