New competition for Suffolk Downs?

[AppJumpr08]

Suffolk Still Waiting for Simo Signals

Glimmer, it seems like tradition up here in New England for the HBPA and the track managment(s) to be at odds - it’s lovely to see that in other parts of the country both sides seem to “get it”

Thanks for sharing.

[Glimmerglass]

While I don’t think the Globe has any more current information then the DRF would this article does hint at the critical nature of the talks and need for resolution. Boston Globe Feb 23, 2011 “Suffolk saddled with issues”

Suffolk officials, who say they have lost $40 million in the last four years, offered to increase the purses to $8.4 million for the season, which is still the lowest structure for any track on the East Coast.

The impasse is not at a critical state, but it is getting closer, according to Suffolk chief operating officer Chip Tuttle.

"We hope to get this resolved soon because the options moving forward become less and less attractive,’’ said Tuttle. "The loss of these simulcast signals is devastating to business. The longer it goes, the less likely we are to be able to conduct a live meet of any quality or duration.’’

Tuttle feels the issues at Suffolk could be resolved this week, but if they are not, the situation could deteriorate rapidly.

[AppJumpr08]

I saw that today :sigh:

I guess I must be dense - I just don’t get the point of STILL preventing the simo… it’s clearly just keeping money out of everyones’ pockets at this point… Suffolk is now closed on Wednesday, which used to be one of the busiest days of the week. I wouldn’t think the current offer of more purse money will stand if the lack of signal continues much longer.

[AppJumpr08]

NEHPBA Rejects Suffolk’s proposal

Today was the deadline set by Suffolk Downs, and the NEHBPA still refuses to accept an offer. I can imagine that everyone involved with Suffolk up and down the East Coast is holding their collective breath today.

[PeteyPie]

A Fan

Does anyone remember Glacier Express, who ran at Suffolk Downs and Rockingham from '94 to '98? She was owned by Joseph E. Carney, JC Stables, and later, Gemma Siravo. Her usual jockey seems to have been David Amiss.

[frugalannie]

FWIW, per today’s Boston Globe, the horsemen and the management of Sufflok have come to a two-year agreement for 80 racing dates per year, May through the Breeder’s Cup in November. Management states that they will continue seeking a long-term gaming option.

[AppJumpr08]

[QUOTE=frugalannie;5464462]
FWIW, per today’s Boston Globe, the horsemen and the management of Sufflok have come to a two-year agreement for 80 racing dates per year, May through the Breeder’s Cup in November. Management states that they will continue seeking a long-term gaming option.[/QUOTE]

:D:D

You beat me to it. There are lots of folks who are breathing a huge sigh of relief!

[Profidia]

[QUOTE=AppJumpr08;5465337]
:D:D

You beat me to it. There are lots of folks who are breathing a huge sigh of relief![/QUOTE]
I’d not be too relieved if I were them.

State law mandates 100 days. Agreement is under the condition that the state law gets changed. Although HBPA agreed to that deal if state law is amended, they are nonetheless lobbying state legislators for no change in state law (last I heard anyway)
And banking on this guy Carney to be their ace in the hole with his Brockton deal.

[AppJumpr08]

[QUOTE=Profidia;5465469]
I’d not be too relieved if I were them.

State law mandates 100 days. Agreement is under the condition that the state law gets changed. Although HBPA agreed to that deal if state law is amended, they are nonetheless lobbying state legislators for no change in state law (last I heard anyway)
And banking on this guy Carney to be their ace in the hole with his Brockton deal.[/QUOTE]

Either way there will be racing. 80 or 100 days, but the purses paid out will stay the same - so shorter season with more money per day or longer season with less money per day.

I know the NEHBPA is still wishy washy about supporting Suffolk in the quest for the 80 day season, but they have agreed to race for the same purse money if the state doesn’t allow the shortened meet.

[CFFarm]

http://www.suffolkdowns.com/2011_racing_season.html

[Glimmerglass]

Hmm … complain about too few dates but they cannot fill the card?

http://suffolkdowns.com/news.html

WEDNESDAY’S CARD POSTPONED

Suffolk Downs has postponed its card scheduled for Wednesday, May 25 due to insufficient entries. The day will be rescheduled at a date to be determined later in the meet.

“While we have over 600 horses at the facility, the weather of the last few weeks has interrupted training and, in turn, put a strain on entries,” said Suffolk Downs’ Chief Operating Officer Chip Tuttle. “We anticipate that things will pick up over the next several days and we can resume racing as scheduled.”

The track will be open for simulcasting on Wednesday. Live racing will resume on Saturday.