TV signal to remain on through Jan. 25 from horse tracks in California, Florida

It will be business as usual for local horseplayers today as the television signal at racetracks in California and Florida will remain on for the next two-plus weeks.

The Nevada Pari-Mutuel Association and the TrackNet Media Group, which controls the signals for 17 thoroughbred and harness tracks, including Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields in California, Gulfstream Park in Florida, Fair Grounds Race Course in Louisiana and Laurel Park in Maryland, agreed to continue negotiating after the current contract expired Wednesday.

The two sides met for several hours at Encore before agreeing to maintain the status quo through Jan. 25.

"We made some positive dialogue," said John Avello, the director of race and sports at Wynn Las Vegas.

Avello took part in Wednesday's talks. "The negotiations were cordial, and the signal remains on through the 25th," he said.

It also means the NTRA Handicapping Championship from Jan. 23 to 25 at Red Rock will take place as scheduled.

Scott Daruty, TrackNet president and chief executive officer, said the two sides have a better understanding of what each other's needs are after their face-to-face meeting.

"I'm very optimistic we'll get a settlement by the 25th, otherwise we wouldn't have agreed to the extension," Daruty said.

Avello said it's not just money that's at the heart of the issue. TrackNet is seeking a bigger percentage from Nevada to send the signal from its member tracks to the 80 race books throughout the state.

"It's a combination of anything that can happen with a signal," he said. "Money is obviously part of it."

Horse racing revenues in general have been on the decline. The wagering handle overall from thoroughbred tracks fell 7.2 percent in 2008 from the year before, with $13.7 billion wagered compared with $14.7 billion in 2007.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@ reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.