From a Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association release

The Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association (PHBA), the organization that administers the state’s thoroughbred breeding incentive program, announced today that it has added three additional PA-Bred Stakes to the 2014 race schedule.  In 2014, there will now be a total of 21 PA-Bred Stakes, up from 15 restricted stakes races in 2013.

“It is a great time to breed, own and race Pennsylvania thoroughbreds,” said Brian Sanfratello, President of the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association.   “In 2014, there will be approximately $35 million in bonuses, awards, and purses available for Pennsylvania bred horses, a 16 percent increase over last year.  This ranks our breeders’ incentive program among the best in the country.”

Sanfratello said the Board of the PHBA backed the concept of adding three additional stakes races, which offer additional opportunities for Pennsylvania breeders and owners to showcase  some of the top tier Pennsylvania-bred horses.

The three new Pa-Bred Stakes that have been added to the 2014 schedule are:

  • Robellino – August 23, 3 & up, 1 1/16 (T) (Penn National)
  • Mrs. Henry D. Paxson – September 25,  2 YO fillies, 6 F (Presque Isle Downs)
  • Plum Pretty – October 11, 3 & up, F&M, 1 1/16 on the Dirt (Parx)

All three races are $75,000 and offer a 25 percent PA-Sired Bonus for horses finishing in first, second and third place. A full schedule of the PA-Bred Stakes is available on the PHBA website. Owners and trainers are encouraged to contact the Racing Offices at the respective tracks for additional information.

Sanfratello credited robust support from the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (PTHA) and the Pennsylvania Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) for the ongoing success and growth of Pennsylvania’s breeders’ incentive program.   The Pennsylvania HBPA represents owners and trainers of horses that race at Penn National Racetrack in Grantville, Pa. and Presque Isle Downs in Erie, Pa.  The PTHA represents owners and trainers at Parx Racetrack, formerly known as Philadelphia Park, located in Bensalem, Pa.

“Thanks to the support of the PTHA and HBPA, Pennsylvania now offers an expanded restricted race program which includes about one race per day at the state’s three tracks,” said Sanfratello.  “The restricted races offer a host of opportunities across all conditions and now, with the three new stakes, we are able to offer additional races for the state’s best runners.”

(Featured image, of the 2014 Parx Dash, by Barbara Weidl, Equi-Photo.)