MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., June 3, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calder Casino & Race Course officials and the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association ("FHBPA") Board of Directors jointly announced a 7.5-percent purse increase beginning with the June 3, 2011, racing program.
The increase is applied evenly to base overnight purses excluding overnight stakes. Minimum Florida Owners Awards (FOA) also increase from $500 to $1,000 and 2-year-old maiden special weight races increase from $39,000 to $40,000.
"We're off to a positive start of the Calder Meet. The early demand for the Calder product is encouraging," said Calder Vice President & General Manager of Racing John Marshall. "For now, our purse revenues are stabilized by added revenue from slots and poker."
Calder officials and the FHBPA comment they will continue managing the purse account responsibly and both look forward to possible future increase opportunities.
The 2011 Calder Meet began on April 25 and runs through Sept. 30. The Tropical Meet will be held from Oct. 1 through Dec. 2.
Calder Casino & Race Course, located on South Florida's Miami-Dade / Broward county line, offers gaming action with over 1,200 slot machines in the Calder Casino, Thoroughbred horse racing during two consecutive meets, year-round simulcasting, and live poker games in Studz Poker Club. Calder is a wholly owned property of Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq:CHDN). Information about Calder Casino & Race Course can be found on the Internet at http://www.calderracecourse.com/">www.calderracecourse.com and http://www.caldercasino.com/">www.caldercasino.com.