The New York Racing Association will implement a bonus program for potential starters in the GII Wood Memorial S. Apr. 7 at Aqueduct that could increase the purse to $1 million, it was announced Saturday.
If any horse in the field wins a Grade I or Group 1 prior to participating in the Wood Memorial, NYRA will increase the total purse by $250,000 if the horse is declared an official starter.
“The goal of this bonus program, which can raise the Wood Memorial purse to $1 million, is to bring the most talented 3-year-olds in the country to the Wood on Apr. 7,” said NYRA President and CEO Chris Kay. “Racing fans can look forward to a tremendous card on Wood Day that includes prestigious races such as the Carter Handicap, Gazelle, Bay Shore and Excelsior.”
As part of the official Road to the Kentucky Derby prep series, the Wood Memorial is worth 100 qualifying points to the winner, 40 points to second, 20 to third and 10 to fourth.
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