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Proposal Revised, Talks Continue

In a lengthy meeting on Wednesday night, the NEHBPA board discussed a revised proposal for the 2011 meet submitted by Suffolk Downs yesterday, said horsemen’s counsel Frank Frisoli in an email this morning. Another board meeting is scheduled tonight to continue deliberations. “The NEHBPA remains committed to reaching an equitable and immediate resolution of the impasse,” wrote Frisoli. Updates, as available.

1:25 PM Addendum: More from the NEHBPA (PDF). According to the posted statement, the revised proposal “reflect concessions … that Suffolk Downs was previously unwilling to make.” That doesn’t include the 100 days the horsemen have sought. Suffolk’s previous proposal was for 75-85 days.

4:15 PM Update: Time is running out for a deal, reports Lynne Snierson. Dates and money remain at issue. Frisoli told the Blood-Horse, “I see a framework for agreement here [in the latest counterproposal put on the table by Suffolk], but I do not know if our board will approve it.” The group has until the end of the week. Asked earlier today if the board is feeling pressure, Frisoli said, “I believe both sides realize the urgency of reaching a resolution.”

Posted in Industry on February 24, 2011 / Tagged #suffolkdispute2011, Massachusetts, Negotiations, NEHBPA, New England, Suffolk Downs

It’s Not Critical

But there is some urgency to ending the Suffolk Downs dispute:

“We hope to get this resolved soon because the options moving forward become less and less attractive,” said Tuttle. “The loss of these simulcast signals is devastating to business. The longer it goes, the less likely we are to be able to conduct a live meet of any quality or duration.”

The NEHBPA board meets tonight to continue its discussions.

Posted in Industry on February 23, 2011 / Tagged #suffolkdispute2011, Massachusetts, Negotiations, NEHBPA, New England, Simulcasting, Suffolk Downs

NEHBPA Discussions Continue

The NEHBPA board met on Monday night for round two of a discussion on the latest offer from Suffolk Downs for the 2011 meet. There was no resolution to the dispute at the meeting’s conclusion. Via email, NEHBPA lawyer Frank Frisoli said this morning that the board “is continuing to discuss the matter and is seeking to discuss alternatives and modifications with Suffolk Downs.”

As Lynne Snierson reported for the Blood-Horse yesterday, and a Railbird source confirmed, the net simulcasting revenue split remains contentious, and days may be a matter of dissension within the board. The horsemen have sought 100 days of racing this year. Suffolk, which originally offered 67-76 days, has now proposed 75-85 days. What does not seem an issue at this point is the track’s total purse offer of $8.4 million. That’s about the total paid last year, and matches up with the horsemen’s last offer to the track.

Regarding the proposal, Frisoli noted, “we believe [it] remains open.” Contrary to a report yesterday that Suffolk has threatened to shut down in March if the blocked simulcasting signals were not restored by February 26, a source indicated that there is no deadline to the proposal, although it is based on revenue assumptions that may not hold if signals are not restored soon. The board will meet again to discuss the offer on February 23.

9:30 PM Addendum: Lynne Snierson has more on Monday night’s meeting. As mentioned above, days remain an issue. Snierson’s source says that that board is in agreement on 100 days; Frisoli’s response is a study in lawyerly parsing:

“Part of the problem is that the number of live racing days is more important to some of our members than it is to others. As a board, we are trying very hard to do a good job of representing the entire membership. I think the board is doing that.”

Also clarified is the possibility that the purses and days on offer will be cut if simulcasting signals are not restored quickly, as a racetrack source told Railbird yesterday. “[T]he offer Suffolk has on the table now is contingent upon all simulcast signals being turned back on no later than Feb. 27. After that, Suffolk will start cutting race days and total purses,” reports Snierson.

Posted in Industry on February 22, 2011 / Tagged #suffolkdispute2011, Horsemen, Massachusetts, Negotiations, NEHBPA, New England, Suffolk Downs