CDI reaches deal with Fla. horsemen over slots

Churchill Downs Inc. and the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association have reached an agreement on a 2008 purse contract at Calder Race Course in Miami.

The two sides also agreed on a slots contract when the track, which is operated by CDI, begins slot operations at a yet-to-be determined date.

CDI also agreed to remove the FHBPA and its officers as defendants from a federal lawsuit the company filed in April. The lawsuit claimed the FHBPA and the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Group were violating the Sherman Antitrust Act by their refusal to approve the distribution of Calder races to out-of-state off-track betting sites, including advance-deposit wagering companies.

The lawsuit will continue against the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Group.

Monday's agreement clears the way for the signal from Calder to be distributed throughout the country beginning on Thursday.

Under the slots agreement, Florida horsemen are guaranteed $14.375 million for purses in the first three full years of slots operations and 6.75 percent of slot revenue for the remainder of the 10-year term.