Fasig-Tipton, Gulfstream announce 2016 Florida Derby bonus

Gulfstream Park and Fasig-Tipton will offer a $1 million bonus to any graduate of the upcoming Fasig-Tipton Florida selected sale of 2-year-olds in training who goes on to win the 2016 Florida Derby.

The Fasig-Tipton Florida sale will move to Gulfstream this year after being held at Gulfstream owner Frank Stronach’s Adena Springs South complex in 2014. An under-tack show will be conducted on Gulfstream’s main track on March 2, with the single-session sale to be held March 4 in the track’s walking ring.

“This bonus is a unique way to celebrate Gulfstream Park’s partnership with Fasig-Tipton,” Gulfstream president and Stronach Group COO Tim Ritvo said in a release. “Gulfstream is known for its world-class racing and by the many classic and Grade 1 champions produced by the Florida Derby, and Fasig-Tipton’s March sale is the premier 2-year-old sale. We think this initiative will also be fun for fans as they follow the horses through the sales ring and throughout their racing careers.”

In order to receive bonus money, horses must be offered in the sale ring on March 4; cataloged horses withdrawn prior to sale time will not be eligible. In the unlikely event of a dead heat between multiple Fasig-Tipton graduates, the bonus will be divided equally between the owners.

“This bonus should create even more interest in the sale and the 2016 Triple Crown trail,” Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning said. “It is another wonderful reason to buy a horse on March 4 at Gulfstream Park.”