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Due To Testing Delays, Maryland To Implement Expedited Purse Release Program On Nov. 1

Several years ago the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, in cooperation with the Maryland Jockey Club, instituted an Expedited Purse Release Program to allow for our owners to get purses earned on an expedited basis and before drug test results had been returned to the Maryland Racing Commission by the commission's testing laboratory.

The program required that interested owners sign an agreement that obligated the owner to repay and affected purse money paid that became the subject of a positive drug test.

In light of significant test result delays that are being caused by COVID-19 and other factors beyond the control of the MRC, the MTHA and MJC have determined to implement the program automatically Nov. 1 as to all overnight races, unless an owner determines to opt out of the program. Purse money will be released 72 hours after a race, pursuant to MRC regulations.

If an owner has received purse money earned before the test results are received and a positive test is reported, the owner will be required to return such purse money to the Maryland Thoroughbred Purse Account. Failure to do so can result in suspension of the owner's license until the funds are repaid.

Owners can opt out of the program and await payment of a purse earned once the test results are received. To opt out, an owner must notify the MTHA or MJC in writing.

The MTHA hopes that this change will benefit our racing community and not subject our owners to unnecessary delays in getting their purse earnings.

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Emerald Downs Announces 10 Percent Across-The-Board Purse Increase

Emerald Downs has announced a 10 percent purse increase for all races the final three weeks of the 2020 live racing season, Wednesday, Oct. 14 through Thursday, Oct. 29.

Through 30 days of live racing, handle is averaging $1,871,799, up 67% over last year.

According to Track President Phil Ziegler the purse increase is a result of better than expected handle.

“We have been pleased at the increased betting on our races plus the increased wagering by Washington residents through the advanced deposit companies,” Ziegler said.

The purse increase includes all races in the final condition book: Wednesday, Oct. 14, Thursday, Oct. 15, Wednesday, Oct. 21, Thursday, Oct. 22, Wednesday, Oct. 28 and Thursday, Oct. 29. For example, a $5,000 maiden claiming race is boosted 10 percent from $6,400 to $7,040, or an open $10,000 claiming race from $11,200 to $12,400.

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With Derby Moved to September, A Good Month for Handle

According to Equibase figures, total wagering on U.S. races in September was $1,039,737,336, a 29.64% increase over 2019 numbers.

The handle for the GI Kentucky Derby day card at Churchill Downs fell dramatically this year. A total of $128.3 million was bet on the 14 races. In 2019, $250.9 million was wagered on the card. Nonetheless, the $128.3 million was the most bet on any racing program this year and was a major factor in the overall increase for September.

With the increase in numbers during September, total handle for the year is off just 2.86% from the numbers posted in 2019, when COVID-19 did not affect racing schedules.

There was more discouraging news when it came to purses. Because of the coronavirus, almost all betting is being done through ADWs, which contribute a lower percentage to purses than brick-and-mortar betting. Some tracks have also had to go several months without receiving contributions from casinos.

Purses were $110,251,841 in September, a 6.75% percent decline. For the year, they are down 29.61% , with $264.7 million less having been paid out this year when compared to 2019.

The lower purse total is also related to the reduction in racing days. Through September, there were 2,509 race cards held during the year. Through September 2019, that number was 3,515.

The average field size in September was 7.88, a modest increase. For the year, the field size has averaged 7.87 for a 6.53% increase.

The post With Derby Moved to September, A Good Month for Handle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Del Mar Increases Overnight Purses 10 Percent, Boosts ‘Ship & Win’ Incentive Program

Del Mar's seventh fall race meeting – starting on Saturday, Oct. 31 – will provide horsemen with a healthy 10 percent blended increase in their overnight purses and the highest bonuses ever tied to the popular “Ship & Win” program.

Despite the ongoing pandemic situation, the track was able to hold firm on its recently announced stakes schedule that offers 16 events with $2,250,00 in purses. Beyond that, though, overnight purse levels will be increased by approximately 10 percent across the board.

Examples include:

First level allowance purses increase from $53,000 to $59,000.
Maiden Special Weight races jump from $52,000 to $57,000.
$32,000 claimers go up from $33,000 to $36,000.
Maiden-Claiming $50,000 rises from $28,000 to $31,000.
Racing officials noted also that the track's minimum purse has increased from 2019's $17,000 to this fall's $20,000.

Additionally, the track's “Ship & Win” program – now in its 10th year – will provide its richest incentive ever with a guaranteed $3,000 “starter fee” for all runners.

Further, those runners will be eligible for a 30% purse bonus added on top of whatever they win (for finishing first through fifth) in that initial outing.

“We worked with our partners at the Thoroughbred Owners of California on this and I think we've got a solid foundation that should encourage our horsemen – as well as those from other racing venues – to want to be part of what we do here in the fall,” said Del Mar's executive vice president for racing Tom Robbins. “Our fall meet has grown year by year and is now as good a run of racing as you're going to find anywhere in the country this year.”

In reference to the “Ship & Win” program, Robbins noted that since its inception in 2011, the incentive plan has drawn more than 1,400 runners to Del Mar and they've made more than 2,000 starts at the track, as well as more than 4,200 starts at other state tracks, such as Santa Anita, Los Alamitos and Golden Gate.

The simple rules for “S & W” runners are as follows:

Horses must have made their last start outside of California.
Horses cannot have raced in California in the past 12 months.
First-time starters are not eligible.
$3,000 starter fee for all eligible horses; 30% purse bonus for initial start.
Stakes runners (including overnight stakes) are not eligible for the 30% bonus.

Those who have questions concerning the program are encouraged to contact Robbins or racing secretary David Jerkens at (858) 792-4230.

The fall session will have a first post daily of 12:30 p.m. with the exception of its special Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26) card that begins at 11 a.m. Closing day will be Sunday, November 29.

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