New York-breds will run for significantly higher purses this summer at Saratoga Race Course. NYRA Photo.
The New York Racing Association, Inc. today announced a new series of purse increases for registered New York-bred horses competing in open company at the upcoming Saratoga Race Course meeting that runs from July 13 to September 4.
“NYRA is committed to supporting and enhancing the New York-bred program now and in the future,” said Frank Gabriel, NYRA senior vice president 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, executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. “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, president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Inc. “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.”
The following chart reflects various examples and scenarios based on a scheduled 2023 Saratoga Maiden Special Weight Race. Please note the difference in purse money and awards available to owners and breeders of New York-breds compared to Non-New York-breds or unregistered New York-breds.
*Please note only first through third-place finishers qualify for NYSBFOA Open Owner and Breeder awards. For more information on New York-bred program award rates and distribution please click here.
Maiden Special Weight (MSW):
| Example | Scenario | Purse | Finish | Purse Payout | NYSBFOA Award* | Breeder Award* |
| 1 | Registered New York-Sired NYB | $136,500 | 1st | $75,075 | $15,015.00 | $22,522.50 |
| 2 | Registered Non-New York-Sired NYB | $136,500 | 1st | $75,075 | $7,507.50 | $11,261.25 |
| 3 | Non-NYB or Unregistered NYB | $105,000 | 1st | $57,750 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| 4 | Registered New York-Sired NYB | $136,500 | 3rd | $16,380 | $3,276.00 | $2,457.00 |
| 5 | Registered Non-New York-Sired NYB | $136,500 | 3rd | $16,380 | $1,638.00 | $1,228.50 |
| 6 | Non-NYB or Unregistered NYB | $105,000 | 3rd | $12,600 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
