Track officials at Tampa Bay Downs announced June 6 the creation of a $5,000 Jockeys' Challenge for riders who compete in the two-day Summer Racing Festival June 30 and July 1.
A cumulative points system will be used to determine the winners. The first-place jockey in the standings at the conclusion of the second day of racing will earn $2,500, the runner-up will receive $1,500, and the third-place rider will collect $1,000.
Points will be awarded through eighth place for each of the 16 races on an 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis. In case of dead heats, the jockeys involved will split the point total for both placings (a dead heat to win, for example, would be worth 7.5 points to both riders).
"This is a fun and exciting way to recognize the skills of the jockeys who will be part of our Summer Racing Festival, and to enhance their visibility among our dedicated fans and bettors," said track vice president and general manager Peter Berube.
Eight Thoroughbred races will be contested each day, with an approximate first post time of 12:35 p.m. EDT. Races have been written for both the main track and the turf course, and the condition book is available online at www.tampabaydowns.com and www.equibase.com.
The June 30 program marks the official end of the 2012-13 meet. The July 1 card signals the official start of the 2013-14 meet, which is tentatively scheduled to resume in early December.
