NYRA Increases Aqueduct Purses

The New York Racing Association announced purse increases across a number of categories Nov. 21 for the upcoming winter meet at Aqueduct Racetrack.

The Aqueduct winter meet is slated to begin Dec. 7 and will feature significant purse increases in both New York-bred and open categories, including an $8,000 increase in open maiden allowance races, which will now be contested for $68,000, and a $5,000 increase in New York-bred maiden allowance events, which will now go for $60,000.

"These purse increases represent our continued commitment to maintaining quality racing in New York on a year-round basis. The purse money offered at Aqueduct is competitive with, if not stronger than, amounts offered for top-flight racing across the country," said Martin Panza, NYRA's senior vice president of racing operations. "We value and appreciate our local horsemen that continue to support our live racing product into the new year."

First- and second-level New York-bred allowance categories will see "non-winners of one" purses increased to $64,000 from $57,000, while "non-winners of two/$40,000 claiming" purses will be boosted to $67,000 from $59,000 a year ago.

Open allowance events will also be bolstered, with optional-claiming allowance races offered for $82,000 ($7,000 increase), "non-winners of three/$80,000 claiming" will run for $80,000 ($8,000 increase), "non-winners of two/$62,500 claiming" events will now be contested for $75,000 ($6,000 increase), and "non-winners of one" will go for $70,000 ($3,000 increase).

"(The New York Thoroughbred Horseman's Association) and NYRA have collaborated on a number of initiatives designed to reward the horsemen who do business in New York year-round, and this purse bump is another positive step in support of our owners and trainers," said Joe Appelbaum, president of the NYTHA. "Adding this to an already strong purse structure, as well as the starter loyalty program and $300 per-start credit program, gives horsemen real dollars-and-cents reasons to run in New York all year long."

Increases have also been applied to purses in certain claiming categories.