The Minnesota Racing Commission this week released information on awards issued through the Minnesota Breeder Fund to racehorse breeders and stallion owners for all three breeds racing in the state, thoroughbred, quarter horse, and standardbred.
More than $526,000 in awards will be paid later this month to those in the state breeding industry. Over $5 million in purse money was distributed to owners of successful Minnesota-bred racehorses, which includes $337,000 in Minnesota-bred purse supplements.
The purpose of the Minnesota Breeders’ Fund is to encourage the breeding and racing of quality horses. Stallion awards promote the introduction of high quality studs standing for the breeding season in Minnesota.
Breeders Fund monies are derived from wagering, both live and simulcast, on horse races at Canterbury Park, Running Aces, and through Minnesotans wagering through any number of ADWs. The awards are determined based on performance of individual horses.
In October, the MRC appointed members to the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Fund Advisory Committee. The seven-member advisory committee includes three standing positions, which include Andrew Offerman of Canterbury Park , Cameron Mahlum of the Minnesota Thoroughbred Association, Pete Mattson of the Minnesota Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. The committee also has two 1-year term appointees, Jeff Hilger and Dave Dayon, and two 2-year appointees, Lisa Duoos and Ted Grevelis. Mahlum, Mattson, Hilger, Duoos, and Dayon’s Win N Wood Farm are active breeders and will receive Breeders Fund awards in 2017.
“We look forward to working with the advisory committee to further fuel the breeding industry in Minnesota and expand the economic footprint our industry has within the State,” said MRC Vice Chair Jim Lane. According to an MRC press release the Fund will distribute more than $800,000 to Minnesota Thoroughbred breeders, stallion owners, and owners of Minnesota bred horses in 2017. The committee will advise the MRC on the disbursement of Thoroughbred breeders’ funds and look for opportunities to promote breeding in Minnesota.
2017 BREEDER’S FUND AWARDS
