NYRA reinstates $1 million bonus to Japan-based Belmont Stakes winner

If a horse based in Japan wins the Belmont Stakes, the horse’s connections will earn a $1 million bonus, the New York Racing Association announced Thursday.

This same bonus had been in effect from 2017 through 2019 but was not offered last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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To qualify for the bonus, a horse must have made at least three starts in Japan prior to starting in the Belmont and must be nominated to North America’s Triple Crown series.

In 2017, Lani was eligible for the bonus when he ran third in the Belmont. Epicharis was also eligible for the bonus that year, but was scratched the morning of the race due to a minor injury.

In 2019, Master Fencer was eligible for the bonus but finished fifth in the Belmont.