In an effort to reverse a years-long decline in the California Thoroughbred foal crop, the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association announced three financial incentives on Sunday designed to lure mare owners to invest in breeding in the state. For mares bred in 2026, the CTBA will pay $1,000 for each registered statebred foal, up to 25 foals per breeder. Breeders must be members of the organization. In addition, the CTBA is eliminating a $100 foal registration fee for the organization’s members for foals born this year and registered as California-bred in 2026. A similar $100 savings program will be applied for foals born in 2026 and 2027. :: Access the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances and Picks are available now. Lastly, the CTBA will provide a $3,000 transportation expense for in-foal mares purchased at public auction outside of California, provided the mare is bought for $20,000 or more and is 12 years old or younger. The $3,000 payment will be provided when breeders provide proof that the mare was bred to a California stallion. Breeders can receive the $3,000 payment for as many five mares purchased annually. The incentive programs are being launched at a critical time in California racing. According to The Jockey Club statistics, the California foal crop was 1,192 in 2023, a decline of 1,337 from 2023 and 1,748 in 2014. The state has had to weather difficult news in the last 18 months, with the closure of Golden Gate Fields in the Bay Area in June 2024, the dissolution of racing in Northern California last winter, and the California Horse Racing Board’s rejection of plans to revive racing at county fairs in that part of the state at three consecutive regulatory board meetings from April to June. Earlier this month, Harris Farms, the most prominent stallion farm in the state, announced that it would no longer stand stallions and planned a reduction of its racing and breeding holdings following the death of farm owner John Harris in July. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.