Gulfstream offers bonuses to also-rans in dirt races

In an effort to bolster field sizes in dirt races, vice president of racing Mike Lakow has instituted a bonus program for owners and trainers of horses competing in main-track events.

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Under the program, owners will receive an additional $250 and trainers $150 when their horse finishes fourth through last in all dirt races, with a minimum of 14 days between starts, per horse.

“We’re trying to support and develop our main-track program here while at the same time help our loyal owners and trainers a little bit who have been through a tough period,” Lakow said. “The thought process started with races taken off the turf before we ultimately decided to make it all dirt races to help further develop that program, which is especially important here during the rainy season.”