WinStar launches breeder incentive program

Just before the Breeders' Cup, WinStar Farm is rolling out an incentive program for breeders of stakes horses by its program.

The WinStar Incentive Network (WIN), which begins this Friday, Nov. 4, will make available more than $1 million in "WinStar dollars," applicable for one year toward the fee of any WinStar stallion. To become eligible for the network, breeders are required to breed two mares to any stallion on the farm's roster.

The WIN program will award $100,000 to the breeder of any horse capturing a Triple Crown event, the Kentucky Oaks, or a Breeders' Cup race. Moving down the sale, a Grade 1 victory is worth $80,000, a Grade 2 worth $40,000, a Grade 3 worth $20,000, and listed stakes with a purse of $75,000 or higher award $10,000.

“When we started thinking about how to best structure our new breeder incentive program, we put a lot of thought into being different than anything else out there,” Kenny Troutt, owner of WinStar Farm, said in a release. “We wanted it to reach across all facets of the industry, so we asked the question: What is the one thing that drives the Thoroughbred industry more than anything, whether you are a breeder, owner, buyer, seller, or trainer? The answer is winning. That’s why we are so excited about this incentive program. It demonstrates our commitment to breeders, and provides us an opportunity to recognize them for their success at the industry’s highest levels, as well as reward them for their loyalty in breeding to WinStar stallions."

There are 18 horses by WinStar stallions in the Breeders' Cup, making them immediately eligible for awards. That group includes champion sprinter Runhappy, taking on this year's Dirt Mile, who is by Super Saver; and Juvenile entrant Classic Empire and Mile entrant Midnight Storm, both by Triple Crown sire Pioneerof the Nile. WinStar recently announced the fees for its 22-horse roster for 2017, with Pioneerof the Nile leading the way at $110,000.