Travers Purse $1.6 Million if 'Pharoah' Runs
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The New York Racing Association will raise the total purse for the Travers Stakes (gr. I) to $1.6 million from $1.25 million, contingent upon Triple Crown winner American Pharoah starting in the 1 1/4-mile race Aug. 29 at Saratoga Race Course.
Should American Pharoah start in the Travers, the guaranteed winner's award will rise to $850,000 from the current guarantee of $675,000. The sliding scale of awards also will rise for the second- through eighth-place finishers, with $270,000 awarded to second place, $150,000 to third, $100,000 to fourth, $75,000 to fifth, $60,000 to sixth, $50,000 to seventh, and $45,000 to eighth.
The announcement was made Aug. 1 by NYRA board of directors vice chairman Michael Del Giudice and NYRA chief executive officer and president Christopher Kay, with the action completed in collaboration with senior vice president of racing operations, Martin Panza and New York Thoroughbred Horseman's Association president Richard Violette Jr.
"New York loves a champion and there is no more fitting place for American Pharoah to continue his march into sporting immortality than competing before the greatest, most knowledgeable, and most passionate racing fans anywhere in the world—right here at historic Saratoga Race Course," Kay said.
Nominations for the Travers close Aug. 15. Subscriptions are $1,250 each. To pass the entry box is $9,000 and an additional $9,750 is required to start.
"American Pharoah's connections have always been up front with us and emphasized that they will always put the interests of the horse first and foremost," Panza said. "We look forward to watching American Pharoah run (Aug. 2 at Monmouth Park), and hope that everyone competing in the Haskell has a safe trip."
The purse for the William Hill Haskel Invitational Stakes (gr. I) was raised by $750,000 to $1.75 million, Monmouth announced July 29, recognizing the prestige of a Triple Crown winner competing at the New Jersey track.
The Travers will anchor a day of racing that will feature five other grade I races, including the Personal Ensign, Ballerina, King's Bishop, Forego, and Sword Dancer.
General admission tickets for Travers Day are still available and can be obtained by visiting the NYRA box office at Saratoga, or by calling 844-NYRA-TIX. All reserved seats and clubhouse general admission for Travers Day are sold out.