Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
Posted: July 8, 2018
Saratoga Race Course has raised purses for certain races and altered its purse distribution schedule for the meet that begins July 20.
New York Racing Association officials said purses for all maiden and allowance races, as well as select claiming races, will increase $2,000. For example, the purse for a maiden special weight event will increase to $85,000, and an entry-level allowance/optional claiming race will be worth $87,000.
New York-bred maiden special weight and first-level allowance purses are set at $75,000 and $77,000, respectively.
The updated purse distribution, which NYRA called permanent, is as follows: 55% to the winner, 20% for second, 12% for third, 6% for fourth, 4% for fifth, and 3% divided among the remainder of the field. The distribution doesn’t include stakes with awards specifically stated in the condition book.
The current breakdown in place at Belmont Park is 60% for first, 20% for second, 10% for third, 5% for fourth, 3% for fifth and 2% divided among the remainder of the field.
The Saratoga meet runs through Sept. 3 with the customary six-day-a-week schedule with Tuesdays dark.