Suffolk HBPA block simulcasts (UPDATE: Dispute resolution near)
 

Story here: http://www.drf.com/news/suffolk-hors...-purse-dispute

I know Steve has made the point that this is the only weapon the horsemen have, but it still seems to be similar to "They're not feeding you enough? Go on a hunger strike."

Can't be good for any racing venue to block simulcasting when overall demand is down. The market forces, as cruel as they are, are inescapable in the end.

I hope racing can survive without Suffolk Downs. Close the place already enough crap.

yeah, close suffolk and reopen great barrington

Thank You! :tro:

Now expanded beyond just NYRA blockage to Ohio (who cares) and Florida. Not much to bet on right now up here.

You've called for closing up MD tracks, now Suffolk.

Can your backyard be far behind? Where you going to run, Freddy, once Carlino gets done killing everything he owns..... PennNational will be down to less than 60 days per year in less than 2 years.

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/nat...el-future.aspx

MP is going to be OK. Penn should only race 120 days a year. I am for very short meets. We have way too many races in the country.

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/nat...olk-offer.aspx

New England situation slowly getting resolved... Dates question still to be worked out.

I look forward to the 5k MDN claimers after the SPA meet, packed with slow 200k yearlings wiring fields with 50 BSF's being claimed and settling into the 5 to 7k claiming ranks.

I think TT has it wrong - they are no closer than they were. The vote went 5-4 against with one abstaining from voting (the husband of a wife who voted NO - his biography will be called Profiles in Courage....) If the husband were to vote yes, resulting in a tie, the tie breaker has already said he will vote in favor.

Since the SA signal is not blocked Suffolk may open on Wed. for simulcasting, assuming SA will run on Wed. (also having an issue filling fields... )

Update on 2/28 meeting
 

A contentious meeting last night but looks like agreement may have been reached on the sticking point, number of live racing days. Suffolk may re-open tomorrow, Wednesday, with full signals.

Expect a full, official release later in the day.

I know many don't care much for Suffolk but for those that do thought I would give an update for those who do.

Chris Clement breathes a big sigh of relief.

Negotiations broke down yesterday.

Rumor has it that the breakdown is due to small details, like how much each side must contribute to Thoroughbred Retirment Fund, when back side will open and other issues that should be much more easy to resolve. Given that both sides were upping the emotional content it was agreed that the attorneys should hammer out the details and get something together for all to sign. As of right now, nothing is signed. There was hope that this would be resolved early this afternoon...since early afternoon has passed and the weekend is approaching this may continue over the weekend.


Suffolk Downs, NEHBPA Deal Official!
Updated: Friday, March 4, 2011 8:35 PM
Posted: Friday, March 4, 2011 7:59 PM
By Lynne Snierson

After six weeks of intense negotiations on a new contract, the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and Suffolk Downs finally sealed a two-year agreement late in the day March 4. The horsemen said that they promptly restored the simulcast signal from the New York Racing Association.

Suffolk Downs has reached an agreement with the HBPA on a purse contract for 2011. Simulcasting from Aqueduct returns Saturday.

I am so thrilled