NATC Stakes Purses Bumped Up for 2003

The National Association of Two-Year-Old Consignors has bumped up the purses this year for the stakes its sponsors at Delaware Park.

The inuagural NATC Futurity and Sorority, held Aug. 31, 2002 proved to be a success and helped generate additional exposure for horses sold at 2-year-olds in training sales. The $200,000, six-furlong restricted stakes featured 12 horses in the colt and gelding division, and 11 in the filly division.

The 2003 purses for the NATC Futurity and Sorority, to be held Labor Day weekend, will be increased to $300,000.

The NATC met Jan. 14 in Ocala, Fla., to discuss ways it would continue to promote its product and expand its buyer base through advertising and public relations.

"The most significant thing we did to enhance our product, as far as adding more value to (the purchase of 2-year-olds), were the futurity races," Leprechaun Racing's Mike Mulligan said. "We're very appreciative to Delaware Park for their support."

Eligibility requirements for the 2003 edition of the NATC Futurity and Sorority were released. For a horse to be eligible, the consignor must be an NATC member in good standing, be a contributor to the advertising fund, and the horse must be cataloged to a 2-year-old auction.