Lost weekend: No Kentucky Derby betting in South Florida?
Here was my Saturday dream scenario: Hit the trifecta on the Kentucky Derby, then celebrate with a budget-busting dinner at Mark’s Las Olas.
Oh well, so much for that.
Mark’s abruptly closed its Fort Lauderdale flagship restaurant on Thursday, a loss to South Florida foodies who’ve long admired chef Mark Militello.
And Kentucky Derby betting in South Florida remains up in the air because of an ongoing dispute between thoroughbred owners/trainers and Calder Race Course.
There could be an 11th-hour change today or tomorrow. But as of now no bets will be taken on any races from Churchill Downs (including today’s Kentucky Oaks) at Calder or other local simulcast outlets, including Gulfstream Park, the Isle Casino at Pompano Park, Dania Jai-Alai or Palm Beach Kennel Club. (FYI, I just got an email blast at 1 p.m. from Dania saying betting is back on. //Nick Sortal)
(UPDATE: As of 12:15 p.m. Friday, I just got word that Gulfstream Park and Magna Entertainment had cut a separate deal with Churchill Downs allowing Gulfstream to simulcast the Derby card on Saturday. It is unclear if this is legal, since thoroughbred simulcasting within 60 miles of a Florida track running a live race meet usually has to come from the live track's "hub." It is unclear if Gulfstream's move will prompt legal challenges from the local horsemen or competing tracks).
The closest sure-thing simulcast outlet to bet the Derby card is the Naples dog track in Bonita Springs, across Alligator Alley, about a 90-minute drive from South Florida.
For bettors, Derby Day is the holiest day of the year, with Breeders’ Cup day right behind.
Getting shut out of the action because of intra-industry squabbling only leads to frustration and alienation.
The confusion surrounding the Derby situation will make things worse. Gulfstream Park had an advertisement in today’s sports section saying it would take bets on the Kentucky Derby. If that’s not the case, bettors who make the trip have every right to be angry.
I’m going to be real miffed if Bsharpsonata wins today’s Kentucky Oaks for fillies, or if Pyro wins the Derby, because that’s where my money was going to go.
Feel free to share your picks below.
With no betting available, this will be strictly for posterity’s (not prosperity’s) sake.
AP Photo (2007)
