The Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association (PHBA) has added three additional stakes for state-breds to the 2014 race schedule, the group announced Aug. 12.
The additions push the total to 21 Pennsylvania-bred stakes for 2014, up from 15 restricted stakes races in 2013.
"It is a great time to breed, own, and race Pennsylvania Thoroughbreds," said Brian Sanfratello, president of the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association, which administers the state's Thoroughbred breeding incentive program. "In 2014, there will be approximately $35 million in bonuses, awards, and purses available for Pennsylvania bred horses, a 16% increase over last year. This ranks our breeders' incentive program among the best in the country."
Sanfratello said the PHBA board backed the concept of adding three additional stakes, which offer additional opportunities for the state's breeders and owners to showcase some of the state's top tier Pennsylvania-bred horses.
The three new Pennsylvania-bred stakes that have been added to the 2014 schedule are:
—Robellino, 3YO&Up, 1 1/16 miles, turf, (Penn National), Aug. 23
—Mrs. Henry D. Paxson, 2YO fillies, 6 furlongs, (Presque Isle Downs), Sept. 25,
—Plum Pretty, 3YO&Up, f&m, 1 1/16 miles, (Parx Racing), Oct. 11
All three races are $75,000 and offer a 25% Pennsylvania-sired bonus for horses finishing first, second, or third. A full schedule of the Pennsylvania-bred stakes is available on the PHBA website. Owners and trainers are encouraged to contact the racing offices at the respective tracks for additional information.
Sanfratello credited robust support from the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (PTHA) and the Pennsylvania Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) for the ongoing success and growth of Pennsylvania's breeders' incentive program.
"Thanks to the support of the PTHA and HBPA, Pennsylvania now offers an expanded restricted race program which includes about one race per day at the state's three tracks," said Sanfratello. "The restricted races offer a host of opportunities across all conditions and now, with the three new stakes, we are able to offer additional races for the state's best runners."
"Thanks to the support of the PTHA and HBPA, Pennsylvania now offers an expanded restricted race program which includes about one race per day at the state's three tracks," said Sanfratello. "The restricted races offer a host of opportunities across all conditions and now, with the three new stakes, we are able to offer additional races for the state's best runners."
