All-sources handle at Calder Race Course rose 48%, from $131.4 million to $195 million, during this year’s second quarter, according to parent company Churchill Downs in a report to the Securities and Exchange Commission. But Calder’s handle for the quarter ended June 30 was 22% below its handle of $249 million for the second quarter of 2007.
Calder’s first-quarter 2008 handle sank to $131.4 million because of contract disputes between track management and the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. Horsemen’s groups in several states prevented the Florida track from sharing simulcast signals with several tracks, and prevented several major advance deposit wagering companies from carrying Calder races.
Calder opened its 2009 meet April 24 with all purse and distribution contracts signed with the Florida HPBA. That has helped Calder post a significant bounce back in off-site handle. But Calder’s on-track handle has declined this year amid an economic depression that is impacting almost all Thoroughbred tracks.
“We expected more, but we are not terribly disappointed,” Calder vice president and general manager of racing John Marshall told The Blood-Horse Aug. 1.
Marshall noted the impact of the economy and said an abnormal period of heavy rain, especially in June, reduced Calder’s estimated attendance and the number of turf races, which in turn impacted pari-mutuel handle. Calder was able to hold turf races on only five of its 16 June race dates. Through July 26, the track had taken 102 races off the turf, compared with 55 through that date last year.
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