The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association approved a 10% across-the-board purse bonus for overnight races through the end of month at its Board of Directors meeting March 3.
The 10% increase is based upon the purse structure in place at Laurel Park prior to a two-week shutdown of live racing to accommodate a racing surface improvement project.
The MTHA in mid-January approved a 20% increase in overnight purse money that took effect Jan. 16 and ran through the end of February. It was designed to compensate for the loss of six racing days and was in conjunction with the addition of three Thursday programs in February.
The board also voted to examine the financials at the end of March and then decide whether to extend the 10% purse bonus through April. Based on statistics, the 20% purse bonus provided roughly the equivalent of purse money that was lost due the canceled days.
The March condition book shows a minimum purse of $18,700 for $5,000 claiming races; $26,400 for claiming $10,000-$8,000; $42,900 for waiver/maiden claiming $40,000-$32,000; $50,600 for a maiden special weight event; and $61,600 for a “non-winners of three races other than” allowance.
Beginning Friday, March 11, or when programming changes can be made with InCompass, the connections of horses that finish seventh through last in each race will receive $300.
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