MI Developments Inc. -- in conjunction with its premier racing properties, Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, Pimlico Race Course, and XpressBet -- has expanded the Preakness 5.5 bonus program to include another prize. Along with the possibility of an additional $5.5 million in bonuses to the horse that wins the 2011 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), the AmTote Jockey Bonus, worth $100,000, will be available to the Preakness’ winning rider if the jockey also has ridden the winner of one of the qualifying races.
The announcement about the new rider's prize was made Aug. 27.
“We are delighted to expand our Preakness 5.5 to include the AmTote Jockey Bonus,” said Dennis Mills, CEO of MI Developments. “The jockey is one of the most important members of the team and it is important for us to acknowledge their contribution to a horse’s overall success.”
To qualify for the $100,000 AmTote Jockey Bonus, a Preakness-winning rider must first win one of the qualifying races. The qualifying races for the AmTote Jockey Bonus at Gulfstream Park will be the grade III Holy Bull Stakes, the grade II Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park, and the grade I Florida Derby. The qualifying races at Santa Anita Park will be the grade II Robert B. Lewis Stakes, the grade II San Felipe Stakes, and the grade I Santa Anita Derby. Golden Gate Fields will also offer the El Camino Real Derby as a qualifying race for the AmTote Jockey Bonus.
“AmTote is recognized as a global leader in the field of totalisator technology and service,” said Steve Keech, President of AmTote. “We are excited to have this opportunity to salute a leading rider and join the MID family in this original opportunity surrounding the Preakness 5.5”.
MID previously had announced that XpressBet would sponsor the XpressBet.55, a consolation prize of $550,000 ($500,000 to the owner and $50,000 to the trainer) to be awarded to the winner of the 2011 Preakness if that horse is not eligible for the Preakness $5.5 million bonus but was a runner in one of the initial qualifying races and finished first, second, or third in the Santa Anita Derby or Florida Derby.