Emerald Downs Adds Initial Bonuses for Claiming Horses

Emerald Downs has announced a new incentive program for claiming horses during the first month and a half of its 52-day race meeting in 2022.

Beginning with opening day, May 15 and before July 1, all 3-year-olds and up that ran at least once in any claiming race since Jan. 1, 2021, at any track—including Emerald Downs—will receive a $1,000 bonus in its first start in any claiming race. $750 of the bonus goes to the owner, $250 to the trainer.

"It's important to extend bonuses to all horses," track president Phil Ziegler said. "We appreciate shippers, of course, but we also recognize that some of our owners and trainers race exclusively at Emerald Downs. This bonus money helps offset their off-season expenses. For the horses that go out of state in the off-season, this helps with the expense of bringing them back to Emerald Downs."

Emerald Downs recently announced a 10% purse increase for next year, the track's second 10% increase since 2019.

Other horse incentives for 2022 include initial stall bedding provided for horses arriving prior to opening day, free hot walkers over the season, and participation money on any race with eight or more starters increased to $300 (horses finishing sixth through last).

"We recognize the economic demands of owners and trainers," Ziegler said. "Thoroughbred racing is exhilarating and exciting, but the cost of doing business is a difficult obstacle. Higher purses and less expenses are extremely important."