Maryland-Bred Summer Bonus Program Rises to $700,000
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Photo: Coady Media/Nick Phillips
The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and The Maryland Jockey Club announced April 13 the return of the Maryland-Bred Owner and Developer Bonus Program for the summer of 2026, continuing a successful initiative that supports Maryland-bred horses during the state's annual live racing break.
The program, which was introduced last year, will return with the same structure and rules, with one key enhancement: a $700,000 bonus pool. The bonus pool represents a $100,000 increase from last year's program.
The bonus program is designed to support Maryland-bred horses racing at Colonial Downs and Delaware Park during Maryland's live racing hiatus.
The 2026 program will run from July 3 through Aug. 23, aligning with the Laurel Park summer break.
Maryland-bred horses become eligible for bonus money by finishing first, second, or third in non-restricted overnight races at Colonial Downs or Delaware Park. Races excluded from eligibility include stakes races, certified races, and state-bred restricted races.
The $700,000 bonus pool will be distributed using a points-based system tied to race conditions and Maryland purse equivalents. Total points earned across all eligible races will determine value per point, and each horse's share is based on total points accumulated. The payouts are calculated after the program ends and it is known how many horses participated. Last year, 230 Maryland-breds qualified.
Bonus payments are split evenly 50% to owner(s) and 50% to developer(s), who are defined as the owner at the time of the horse's first career start.
Points System
The Maryland-bred bonus program will again utilize a four-tiered points structure aligned with Maryland purse levels.
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Categories | Maryland Purse | Points: 1st-2nd-3rd |
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No Price; CLM $50,000 & up | $47,000 & up | 10-5-2.5 pts |
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CLM $30,000-$45,000 | $33,000-$41,000 | 8-4-2 pts |
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CLM $16,000-$25,000 | $26,000-$30,000 | 6-3-1.5 pts |
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CLM $6,000-$12,500 | $15,500-$24,000 | 4-2-1 pts |
Starter Handicap races receive points equivalent to two claiming levels higher.
This program complements Maryland's existing Owner & Developer Bonus structure, which provides 30% purse bonuses (15% owner/15% developer) for Maryland-breds finishing first, second, and third in eligible races at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course, and Timonium.
In 2025, the out-of-state bonus program delivered significant returns, with nearly 200 Maryland-bred horses earning bonuses while competing at Colonial Downs and Delaware Park.
"The response to this program last year was extremely positive," said Katharine Voss, president of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. "Our goal is to make sure Maryland-breds remain competitive and financially supported even when racing shifts out of state during the summer. Increasing the bonus pool to $700,000 reflects that commitment and the importance of this program to our horsemen."