Florida-breds to run for $4.5 million in stakes purses next year

MIAMI – The $1.05 million Sunshine Millions and the $2.9 million Florida Sire Stakes series are the highlights of a 2016 stakes program for Florida-breds worth $4.5 million, according to a release from Gulfstream Park, which partnered with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association on the stakes schedule.

The Jan. 16 Sunshine Millions will be restricted to Florida-breds once again in 2016 after being opened to New York-, Maryland- and Pennsylvania-breds for the first time a year ago. The six races will be led by the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Classic, with defending champion Sr. Quisqueyano back in training following a long freshening and pointing for the race.

The Sire Stakes for 2-year-olds is topped by the traditional finales, the In Reality and My Dear Girl, which each will offer a purse of $500,000. The Sire Stakes was originally known as the Florida Stallion Stakes when it began at Calder Race Course in 1982. The series has been hosted by Gulfstream the last two years and will be run there next year.

“The joint agreement between Gulfstream Park, the FTBOA, and the FHBPA shows our continuing commitment to Florida Thoroughbred racing and breeding as well as our promise to strengthen the industry during the summer,” said P.J. Campo, general manager of Gulfstream and vice president of racing for The Stronach Group, which operates the track.