Trainers have until Sept. 20 to become eligible to nominate horses to the 2013 Claiming Crown, to be held at Gulfstream Park Dec. 7.
Under a system that started last year, nominated trainers then have the right to nominate horses for the eight Claiming Crown races. Those regular nominations —0.2% of each purse in the series —are due by Nov. 15.
Supplemental nominations close Dec. 4 with a fee of 5% of the purse for the race in which a horse will be entered.
The regular nomination fee for the five $110,000 Claiming Crown races is $220 per horse. The fee is $250 for the $125,000 Tiara and Emerald, and $400 for the $200,000 Jewel.
For the first time, total Claiming Crown purses will be $1 million.
To be eligible for a Claiming Crown event, a horse must have started for a claiming price since Jan. 1, 2012. Combined entry and starting fees range from $1,650 to $3,000; the fees are waived for supplemental nominees.
The 2012 Claiming Crown, the first held at Gulfstream, shattered records. The races contributed to total pari-mutuel handle of more than $12 million for the opening-day card at the Florida racetrack.
The Claiming Crown is a joint venture of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association in conjunction with the host racetrack and horsemen's group. More information and nomination forms are available at www.claimingcrown.com.
