Fee impasse threatening signal distribution (UPDATE: Deal in place)

[casp0555]

Finally got around to reading my home e-mail, received this from Sam Houston

To All SHRP Simulcast Customers:

Sam Houston Race Park is one of 23 members of the Mid Atlantic Cooperative. The Cooperative negotiates simulcast contracts on behalf of its member tracks.

Monarch Content Management Company is another cooperative that negotiates simulcast contracts on behalf of its member tracks. The Monarch tracks include: Tampa Bay, Golden Gate, Gulfstream Park, Laurel Park, Los Alamitos Thoroughbred, Meadowlands, Portland Meadows, Santa Anita, and Turf Paradise.

The contract between Mid Atlantic and Monarch has expired. Attempts at negotiating a renewal have so far been unsuccessful. Monarch is demanding rate increases in excess of 20% and other conditions that Mid Atlantic, on behalf of its 23 member racetracks, cannot accept.

The result of this impasse means that starting on Monday December 1st, Sam Houston Race Park and all other members of the Mid Atlantic Cooperative will be unable to simulcast the Monarch tracks.

The Mid Atlantic Cooperative remains committed to working with Monarch to arrive at an agreement that benefits all parties involved.

We apologize for the inconvenience this creates for our valued SHRP simulcast customers. A reasonably priced arrangement is necessary so we can continue to provide you with current levels of service for the long term.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding. We will keep you updated on this matter.

Sincerely,
Dwight Berube
Vice President
Sam Houston Race Park

Not much left after that except for NYRA