It doesn't take long for a Pennsylvania-bred to generate serious money for their connections in the state's incentive program, as evidenced by Empress Irene's early bonus earnings through the first two months of the year.
The 4-year-old daughter of Emperor Tiberius went unbeaten in three starts in January and February of this year, taking home a trio of claiming races at Parx Racing that would eventually vault her into allowance company later in the season.
Owned by Just In Time Racing and trained by Michael Catalano Jr., Empress Irene kicked off her season with a six-length bludgeoning of a 5 1/2-furlong sprint field on Jan. 12, where she led at every point of call.
The filly once again led every step of the way in a six-furlong race on Feb. 9, hanging on to win by three-quarters of a length. She finished the month with another resounding victory, this time besting the field in a six-furlong race by 5 3/4 lengths on Feb. 28.
Empress Irene was bred in Pennsylvania by Richard N. Miller, and her three victories in the first two months of the year generated $24,528 in breeder's awards. Runners bred and sired in Pennsylvania earn a 40 percent bonus on purse earnings for their breeders for non-maiden races.
For owner Just In Time Racing, the filly earned $17,520 in owner bonuses, a purse boost paid by the track for Pennsylvania-sired Pennsylvania-breds. Because her three races came at Parx, Empress Irene was eligible for a 40 percent purse bonus.
Empress Irene is by Emperor Tiberius, a winning son of Storm Cat who is owned by Miller, the filly's breeder. Her early-season exploits brought in $6,132 in stallion awards for Miller, which are earned when a Pennsylvania-bred and -sired runner finishes in the top three at a racetrack within the state.
The post Pennsylvania Leaderboard Presented By Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association: Empress Irene Sets The Early Pace Among Incentive Earners In 2022 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
