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NYRA announces significant purse increases for New York-breds at Saratoga

by Pat McKenna

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced a new series of purse increases for registered New York-bred horses competing in open company at the upcoming summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, which will run from Thursday, July 13 through Monday, September 4.

“NYRA is committed to supporting and enhancing the New York-bred program now and in the future,” said Frank Gabriel, NYRA SVP of Racing Operations. “These purse increases reflect the sustained growth of the New York-bred marketplace while also rewarding owners already invested in the program.”

The purse for registered New York-breds running in select open-company races will be 30 percent higher than the purse offered for non-New York-breds. Additionally, New York State Breeding Fund Owner Awards (NYSBFOA) and breeder awards will be paid on top of the 30 percent additional purse for registered New York-breds.

“The opportunity for registered New York-breds to compete for elevated purses in select open company conditions during the Saratoga meet, along with increases in breeder and open company awards provided by the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund reflect the commitment by New York’s respective thoroughbred racing stakeholders in continuing to elevate the New York-bred program,” said Najja Thompson, New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) Executive Director. “We are confident much of the money earned from these purse increases will be reinvested in New York-breds, starting with the Fasig-Tipton New York-bred Select Yearlings Sale in August at Saratoga.”

In open maiden special weight races, New York-breds will run for a purse of $136,500 [with up to $23,751 NYSBFOA], while non-New York-breds will compete for a purse of $105,000.

Similarly, in allowance levels, open first-level allowances will offer a New York-bred purse of $149,500 [up to $26,013 NYSBFOA] and a non-New York-bred purse of $115,000; open second-level allowances offering a New York-bred purse of $156,000 [up to $27,144 NYSBFOA] and a non-New York-bred purse of $120,000; and third-level open allowances offering New York-breds $162,500 [up to $28,275 NYSBFOA] and a non-New York-bred purse of $125,000.

“These purse bonuses directly benefit owners of New York-breds by incentivizing them to compete in our open company program,” said Joe Appelbaum, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Inc. (NYTHA) President. “New York-breds have routinely competed and won at all levels throughout the nation. This program provides owners and trainers a real dollars and cents reason to leave the restricted New York-bred program. The benefits will accrue to not only the connections but to field size, handle and ultimately back to the purse account.”