(from Minnesota Racing Commission press release)
There is more than just “Nice” coming out of Minnesota these days, especially in relation to the Thoroughbred horse racing industry. After another outstanding race season at Canterbury Park in 2015, which saw total handle rise 11.3 percent and a record purse distribution of $14.2 million, breeders also cashed in recently with $407,000 in award payments.
The Breeders’ Fund program, administered by the Minnesota Racing Commission, has helped to triple the number of registered foals since 2012. This year’s payout reached 113 breeders who received 9 percent of eligible purses won by their foals, and 22 stallion owners who received 11percent of eligible purses won by their foals.
“The combination of ease of eligibility and low cost participation, makes the Minnesota program very attractive to breeders. The quality and value of Minnesota breds also continues to rise as reflected by the $4.6 million in purses won by owners of Minnesota bred thoroughbreds this year at Canterbury alone,” Minnesota Racing Commission Deputy Director Joe Scurto said.
In addition to the Breeders’ Awards paid, the Minnesota Breeders’ Fund also supplemented purses $510,000 for Minnesota bred thoroughbreds during the 2015 Canterbury season.
Lisa Duoos, owner of Dove Hill Farm and Minnesota’s top earning stallion group, sees things getting even better in the years ahead. “The Breeders’ program here in Minnesota is no doubt getting stronger, and hopefully with new revenues from ADW legislation and other possible revenue streams, it will be strong for years to come,” Duoos said.
Hold for More, a Minnesota bred 3-year-old gelding and Canterbury Horse of the Meet, out of the Minnesota mare Miners Mirage, earned his breeders, Wood-Mere Farm (Teresa and Dean Benson) top award of $13,226 in 2015. Minnesota sired La Petite Cheri, a 2-year-old filly by Minnesota stallion Brave Victory, earned Rick and Joyce Osborne’s Farm $6,993 to lead the Stallion payouts.
For More Information on Minnesota’s Thoroughbred Breeders’ Fund, visit The Minnesota Thoroughbred Association’s website at www.minnesotabred.com .
The Minnesota Racing Commission was established to regulate horse racing and card playing in Minnesota; to ensure that it is conducted in the public interest, and to take all necessary steps in ensuring the integrity of racing and card playing in Minnesota thus promoting the breeding of race horses in order to stimulate agriculture and rural agribusiness.
