Fasig-Tipton says the recent announcement from the Maryland Horse Breeders Association of major incentive increases to the owners and breeders of Maryland-breds could make the 87 Maryland-breds among the 390 yearlings in the Midlantic fall yearling sale more appealing.
The sale at the fairgrounds in Timonium, Md., will be held Sept. 30.
Under the expanded incentive program, 2-year-olds in 2014 will be eligible for a 17.5% owner's bonus for finishing first, second, or third in races for a $10,000 claiming price and above. In 2015, those same horses as 3-year-olds will see the owner's bonus almost double to 30% for all races, according to the sales company.
The awards program for breeders has been raised to 30% for all races, effective immediately.
"Our company has long and strong ties to the Midlantic area and, by virtue of our sales facility at Timonium, to the Maryland Thoroughbred industry," he said. "Now owners of Maryland-breds will enjoy the types and levels of incentives that we have seen so positively impact programs in neighboring states. These expanded incentives should greatly enhance the market appeal of Maryland-breds, particularly those yearlings on offer in our upcoming Timonium sale."