2003 New York stakes schedule

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - A day after announcing the creation of a $2 million bonus for a 3-year-old filly who sweeps the Mother Goose, Coaching Club American Oaks, and Alabama, the New York Racing Association released its 2003 stakes schedule on Thursday. In addition to purse increases previously announced for the Mother Goose (from $250,000 to $300,000) and Coaching Club American Oaks ($350,000 to $500,000), the purse for Grade 1 Vosburgh jumps from $300,000 to $500,000. The Vosburgh has been decreased in distance from seven furlongs to 6 1/2 furlongs to make it a more attractive prep for the Breeders' Cup Sprint. In all, there will be 180 stakes worth $36 million in purses, including 41 Grade 1's among 125 graded stakes.