Still No Agreement at Suffolk Downs

Negotiations over a contract for 2011 between the New England Horsemen’s and Benevolent Protective Association and Suffolk Downs are continuing, and the attorney for the horsemen said Feb. 22 there may be significant movement in the process within 48 hours.

“The parties are still talking; the latest offer that was put forward by Suffolk Downs is still being discussed,” said NEHBPA General Counsel Frank Frisolo. “I think there will be something to report by Thursday (Feb. 24). Both sides are trying to get this done.”

There is another conference call among the NEHBPA board, which is comprised of five owners, five trainers, the president, the executive director, and Frisoli, scheduled for the evening of Feb. 23. Christian Teja, vice president of public relations and marketing for the track, had no comment.

While those involved on the negotiating teams for both sides still would not divulge any details for the record, a reliable source maintained that Suffolk’s latest offer is to race 75 to 85 days and pay purses of $103,000 to $110,000 per day spread over its traditional May to November live meet. The horsemen initially requested $10.5 million in total purses and Suffolk had offered $7.5 million.