MTHA approves purse boost

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association has approved two new measures to temporarily adjust purse awards at Laurel Park.

The MTHA coordinated with The Maryland Jockey Club, which has representatives on the MTHA Purse Committee, to enact both adjustments, which are intended to better reward local horsemen and bolster field sizes.

Beginning March 21, there will be minimum purse payouts for all finishing positions, which “ensures more participants receive significant purse payouts,” according to an MJC press release. Fourth through seventh place will now receive at least $1,000, with fourth through sixth instead receiving a percentage of the purse if that amount is greater. In those cases, fourth will receive 5 percent, fifth will receive 3 percent, and sixth will received 2 percent.

For instance, the second race at Laurel on March 7 was a claiming race offering a base purse of $20,000. Under the old payment schedule, fifth received $600 and sixth received $400. Under the new system, the purse would be adjusted so both of those finishers would receive $1,000.

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This revision is projected to cost about $1 million, which will be allocated from the Purse Dedication Account.

The MTHA and MJC also approved purse increases for turf races moved to the main track. If a race is moved from turf to dirt and maintains seven or more betting interests, the purse will be increased by 20 percent.

This measure, which is aimed at maintaining large field sizes and wagering incentive, will take effect at the start of the Laurel spring meet on April 10.

Both measures were approved by the MTHA Board of Directors on March 19. They will remain in place until June 28 and, if proven effective, could continue in the fall meet later this year.

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