Tampa Bay Downs Raises Purses for Fourth Time

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Photo: SV Photography
Horses race on the turf at Tampa Bay Downs

Fueled by continued gains in simulcast revenue, Tampa Bay Downs has increased purses by 10% for the fourth time during the 2020-21 meeting. The boost takes effect April 14 and extends through the season finale on May 2.

Peter Berube, the track's vice president and general manager, said purses for each race will be increased by $3,000 from their previous levels. Purses for maiden special weight races have been hiked to $29,000, which includes $1,000 per race from the Florida Owners' Awards program.

In total, Tampa Bay Downs has raised purses by 40% since opening day, Nov. 25.

"The latest increase is a tribute to our horsemen who strive to deliver a quality product, the racing office for its efforts to provide competitive racing with full fields, and fans around the country who continue to flock to our signal," Berube said.

Tampa Bay Downs previously boosted purses Dec. 16, Feb. 3, and Feb. 20.