NYRA/Coglianese Photo

New York Racing Association, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association announce the return of the 'Per Start Credit' program for 2018-19 Aqueduct winter meet

by Pat McKenna/Andy Belifore

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) have announced the return of the "Per Start Credit" program for owners and trainers to further enhance horsemen participation and help offset the costs of workers' compensation during the 2018-19 winter meet at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Initially launched for the 2017-18 Aqueduct winter meet, the Per Start Credit will again encompass live racing days throughout the 2018-19 winter meet at Aqueduct, applying to all starts from December 7, 2018 through March 31, 2019.

"The Per Start Credit program reflects NYRA's commitment to supporting owners and trainers who race with us throughout the winter," said Martin Panza, NYRA SVP for Racing Operations. "We're pleased to work with NYTHA to bring it back for the 2018-19 winter meet at Aqueduct Racetrack."

All owners and trainers, including those shipping in from out-of-town racetracks or training facilities, who finish fourth through last in a race this winter at Aqueduct will be guaranteed to earn at least $300 per starter through this program. The credit will be applied to any outstanding balance for the New York Jockey Injury Compensation Fund, which provides workers' compensation insurance for jockeys and exercise riders.

"Anything we can do to make New York an easier place to do business for our horsemen benefits the industry as a whole," said NYTHA President Joe Appelbaum. "The Starter Loyalty Program is already reaping rewards for our owners. By bringing back the $300 Per Star Credit program, we will encourage greater participation year-round, which will grow field size, make our racing more attractive to bettors and strengthen business across the board."

Under the new and permanent NYRA purse structure, owners are now paid 55 percent of the total purse to the winner, 20 percent to second place, 12 percent to third, six percent to fourth, four percent to fifth, with the remaining three percent divided among the remaining runners. Owners of horses who finish sixth-through-last split the remaining three percent of the total purse, which can vary greatly depending on purse and field size. With the NYRA Per Start Credit in place, those owners will now earn a minimum of $300 per start. 

Trainers under the program will receive the $300 per start credit when their horses finish fourth through last.