NYRA to again offer bonus to Japan-based Belmont winner in 2018

ELMONT, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association in 2018 will again offer a $1 million bonus to any Japanese-based horse who wins the Belmont Stakes.

The NYRA offered a $1 million bonus this year and attracted Epicharis to enter the race. Epicharis, as of Friday, was still expected to start in Saturday’s $1.5 million Belmont despite a foot issue that has prevented him from training the last two days.

The presence of Epicharis in the Belmont prompted Japanese racing officials to offer the Belmont for wagering in Japan. Money wagered on the Belmont in Japan is done so through a separate pool, from which NYRA gets a percentage.

In order for a Japanese horse to qualify for the Belmont bonus, it must have made three starts in Japan prior to starting in the Belmont and must be nominated to North America’s Triple Crown series. In the event that the Japanese-based horse is involved in a dead heat for the win in the Belmont Stakes, the bonus will be $600,000.

The 150th Belmont Stakes will be held June 9, 2018.