Increase gives Belmont Park its highest overnight purse structure ever

Belmont Park will offer the highest overnight purse structure in its history, the New York Racing Association announced Thursday.

From maiden races to claiming events, significant increases were made in most categories from the levels offered in 2019. Open maiden special weight races will have a purse of $90,000 - an increase of $10,000 from 2019. New York-bred maidens will be worth $75,000, up from $62,000 in 2019. A first-level New York-bred allowance will have a purse of $80,000 while a second-level statebred allowance will be worth $85,000.

“NYRA is pleased to be able to offer the highest overnight purse levels in the history of Belmont Park,” Martin Panza, NYRA senior vice president of racing operations. said in a release. “These increases come at an important time in support of horsemen and will drive the industry forward as we emerge from the challenges wrought by COVID-19.

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“There has never been a better time to race or breed right here in New York State,” Panza continued. “The New York-bred program continues to thrive, and the purses and incentives that will begin this spring will continue through the summer at Saratoga making an investment in New York-breds all the more enticing.”

The NYRA posted the first Belmont condition book on its website on Thursday.

The 48-day Belmont spring/summer meet runs from April 22 through July 11.