MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., July 21, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calder Casino & Race Course ("Calder") officials have announced a 5-percent purse increase beginning with today's racing program.

The increase is applied evenly to base overnight purses, excluding overnight stakes, Florida Owners Awards (FOAs), and maiden special weight races; the latter two were both increased last month.

"Purse contributions from slot machine gaming offered through the Calder Casino have been better than expected," said Calder Vice President & General Manager John Marshall.   "As always, we'll continue to manage the purse account responsibly." 

Thoroughbred owner Phil Combest, who assumed the role of Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association president late last week, said, "We're pleased to see that Calder is implementing this five percent increase after the initial purse bump last month.    Hopefully, we'll be able to build on this momentum and see further increases going forward into the meet."

Calder announced a 7.5-percent purse increase to base overnight purses on June 3.  Today's increase brings Calder's average daily purses, including stakes, up to $230,000 in 2011 from $209,000 in 2010 and $187,000 in 2009. 

The 2011 Calder Meet began on April 25 and runs through Sept. 30.  The Tropical Meet will be held from Oct. 1 through Dec. 2

Calder Casino & Race Course, located on South Florida's Miami-Dade / Broward county line, offers gaming action with over 1,200 slot machines in the Calder Casino, Thoroughbred horse racing during two consecutive meets, year-round simulcasting, and live poker games in Studz Poker Club. Calder is a wholly owned property of Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq:CHDN). Information about Calder Casino & Race Course can be found on the Internet at www.calderracecourse.com and www.caldercasino.com.

CONTACT: Michele Blanco

         (305) 625-1311, ext. 3352

         Publicity fax: (305) 624-6284

         blanco@calderracecourse.com

         P.O. Box 1808, Miami, FL 33055