Santa Anita bolsters Ship and Win bonus program

Santa Anita is expanding its Ship and Win bonus programs for horses brought to California to race this winter in an effort to boost field size and horse population.

At the winter-spring meeting, which begins Dec. 26, the owners of horses that last started outside the state, have not raced in California in 12 months, and are not first-time starters will receive a 35 percent bonus of purses earned for top five finishes in overnight races. A $5,000 bonus will be paid to the owner of any starter, including stakes runners, regardless of finishing position, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

Horses that meet eligibility conditions and start at the Del Mar autumn meeting from Nov. 3 to 28 will be eligible for the bonuses for one start at the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting.

The Santa Anita bonus program was in place last winter, paying a $3,000 bonus for all eligible starters, and a 35 percent bonus in overnight races.

:: Win big at Santa Anita: Get DRF Past Performances, Picks, Clocker Reports and Betting Strategies.

Racing secretary Chris Merz said last weekend there are 1,620 horses stabled at Santa Anita, an increase of 100 over the same time last year. There are 300 horses based at San Luis Rey Downs and Los Alamitos, although a number of those horses are returning from layoffs or being prepared for the first start of their careers.

Merz said the Santa Anita stable area needs at least 1,800 for discussions to start about adding a fourth day of racing per week. Currently the track primarily runs Fridays through Sundays.