HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Gulfstream Park announced today they will ease the hardship of horsemen stabled at Calder Race Course by paying the stall rent of horses who participate at its meet during the month of December.

“There are no strings attached,” said Gulfstream President Tim Ritvo. “We simply want to help the horsemen and work with them through a very difficult time. We understand how much they contribute to our program and also how much some of them are struggling through Calder’s unprecedented decision. We will continue working with the horsemen on solutions for the future.”

Horsemen stabled at Calder were informed in October that they would be charged $10 per stall, per day, for any horse who remained on the grounds once Calder’s meet ended Nov. 30. While Calder horsemen account for more than 40 percent of the entries at Gulfstream, Ritvo said that number would have greatly diminished if Gulfstream knew earlier of Calder’s decision to charge rent.

“Like our horsemen, we wish we knew about Calder’s decision before we allocated our stalls at Gulfstream and Palm Meadows,” Ritvo said. “If we knew of Calder’s intentions before our stalls were allocated, we would have assigned our stalls differently and even constructed new barns. We’re concerned for the Calder horsemen. We don’t want them to run their horses at Gulfstream and then not be allowed back at Calder because they can’t pay the stall rent or are behind on their payment. We want the horsemen and their horses to be safe.”

“The Stronach Group and our chairman, Mr. Frank Stronach, do not believe in holding the horsemen hostages. They should be allowed to stable where they want and run where they want.”