entry boycott at Gulfstream

[honest & balanced terry]

The south Florida horsemen are apparently tired of getting kicked around between Gulfstream and Calder, and some have initiated an entry box boycott to protest. They don't like the $10/day stall charge to stay at Calder, and they don't like that Gulfstream will pay Palm Meadows trainers to ship and run their horses at GP, but not Calder trainers.

http://www.drf.com/news/gulfstream-park-calder-horsemen-withholding-entries-due-stall-rent-dispute

In the great tradition of most horsemen actions, this should be over in a couple days, and no concessions from either track.

[Secretariat]

no

[beobob]

It is hard enough to organize horsemen when they all have a vested interest.  In this situation only local shippers have an interest.  I agree with you, this will go away quickly with no change.

[honest & balanced terry]

Gulfstream has offered to pick up the stall rent for any horse that runs at GP in December, so there's a little bit of relief. This after saying they had no intention of paying these guys to run at their track.

Then:

"Ritvo said that Calder horsemen should not expect Gulfstream Park to foot the bill for stall rent to be paid to Calder, which is owned by Churchill Downs Inc.

“When Calder trainers ship to Tampa to run, they don’t expect Tampa to pay them for those starters,” said Ritvo. “So why should it be any different when they race here.”

Now:

"There are no strings attached," said Gulfstream president Tim Ritvo. "We simply want to help the horsemen and work with them through a very difficult time. We understand how much they contribute to our program and also how much some of them are struggling through Calder's unprecedented decision."

Gosh I wonder if perhaps chairman Frank had a word with President Tim?

"Makin' flippy floppy
Tryin to do my best
Lock the door
We kill the beast
Kill it!"

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/74877/gulfstream-to-assist-calder-based-horsemen

[Louie Weedelbaum]

So much for there being no concessions from either track.  I guess GP figures they don't need the Calder horses to help fill the entry box starting in January hence the rent subsidy for December.

[HarnessFanDE]

One thing they should do for sure at Gulfstream is to close on Fla Derby Day.....The racing after that is among the worst anywhere and taints the whole meet

[honest & balanced terry]

One thing they should do for sure at Gulfstream is to close on Fla Derby Day.....The racing after that is among the worst anywhere and taints the whole meet

It's Stronach's goal to give you that dreck year round.