Fueled by the 2016 approval of advance deposit wagering in the state, the Minnesota Racing Commission has authorized the record payment of more than $590,000 in breeder awards to Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse breeders.
Since the legislative initiative to license ADW providers, a portion of the revenues generated from Minnesota residents' wagering on horse racing is being returned to Minnesota's horse racing industry, providing increased funding for purses, breeders' awards, and expanded regulatory oversight.
Minnesota Thoroughbred breeders will benefit from a 37% increase in awards in 2017 compared with 2016; 130 Thoroughbred breeders will receive $442,505 in breeder awards and $83,660 in stallion awards. On the track, 249 Minnesota-bred racehorses earned qualifying purses at the Canterbury Park 2017 meet, and 229 individual mares earned awards for their owners.
Minnesota Derby winner Hot Shot Kid was the top earning Minnesota-bred this year, bringing in $204,600 for owner/breeder Warren Bush. Hot Shot Kid's dam, Our Sweet Mary B, earned Bush another $12,283 in breeders' awards via the Minnesota Breeders Fund program.
Minnesota Quarter Horse breeders will benefit from a 153% increase in awards in 2017 versus 2016. The Quarter Horse breeders will receive $59,320 in breeder awards and $5,875 in stallion awards.
"Participating in the Minnesota Breeders Fund has never offered more opportunities to race, breed and foal in Minnesota," said Minnesota Racing Commission deputy drector Joe Scurto. "Thoroughbred Breeders were awarded 10.6% of eligible purses won by Minnesota-bred racehorses and Quarter Horse Breeders received 14.7%. Minnesota Thoroughbreds earned over $5 million at Canterbury alone in 2017 and all trends are pointing north for the program going forward."
