Churchill Downs files suit against THG And FLHBPA

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Churchill Downs Incorporated, Calder Race Course and Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company today filed suit against the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Group ("THG"), the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association ("FLHBPA") and the officers of each organization in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky.

The suit alleges violations under the Sherman Antitrust Act and is a result of the FLHBPA's refusal, acting in concert with the THG, to approve the distribution of Calder races to out-of-state off-track betting sites, including advance-deposit wagering ("ADW") companies. The suit requests that THG, an alliance of horsemen's groups from around the country, be dissolved and the defendants be prevented from boycotting racetracks and ADW operators that do not comply with their demands, which include uniform terms for the pricing of racing signals.

Compared to last year, the ADW host fees negotiated for Calder's simulcast signal have nearly doubled, as have the percentages of those host fees payable to Florida horsemen.

"Florida horsemen are preventing horse racing enthusiasts from wagering on Calder races, which is unfortunate for the racetrack, horsemen, and most important, our customers," said Steve Sexton, executive vice president of Churchill Downs Incorporated, Calder's parent company. "Despite what we have accomplished for them, by nearly doubling the host fee rate paid to Florida Horsemen, the FLHBPA and the THG, are simply seeking even more money to the detriment of all other parties. We are filing suit to ensure those interests are protected."

Calder opened for racing on Monday, April 21, and resumes live racing on Friday, April 25.