Increase in Minimum Purse Payments at Laurel Park, Off-Turf Races Receive Purse Boost

An increase in minimum purse payouts for all finishing positions was approved by The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (MTHA) in coordination with The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) on Mar. 19, it was announced on Sunday.

The MTHA Board of Directors approved the measure after a recommendation from the MTHA Purse Committee, which includes representatives from the TMJC.

The changes took effect starting with races on Mar. 21 at Laurel Park and will remain in place through the summer meet, which ends on June 28. The structure will then be reviewed to decide if it should continue.

Under the new payment schedule:

• Fourth place will receive 5% of the purse or $1,000, whichever is greater.
• Fifth place will earn 3% of the purse or $1,000, whichever is greater.
• Sixth place will get 2% of the purse or $1,000, whichever is higher.
• Seventh place through last place will receive at least $1,000.

According to current projections, the revised structure is expected to allocate about $1 million annually from the Purse Dedication Account toward increased payouts.

Off-Turf Races Receive Purse Boost

In an effort to grow field size and boost wagering, the MTHA, in collaboration with TMJC, has approved a specific purse adjustment for turf races moved to the main track.

The measure, approved by the MTHA Board of Directors on Mar. 19 following a recommendation from the MTHA Purse Committee–which includes representatives from TMJC–will take effect with the start of the Laurel Park spring meet on Friday, Apr. 10.

Under the program, races taken off the turf that have seven or more betting interests will receive a 20% purse increase. The initiative will remain in effect through June 28, 2026, and will be reevaluated for continuation before the Laurel fall meet begins in September.

Under the new framework, qualifying races that switch from turf to dirt but still have a large enough field will receive significant purse increases. For example:

• A $47,000 maiden special weight would rise to $56,400.
• A $24,000 lifetime claiming race would rise to $8,800.

Data consistently shows that races with seven or more betting interests generate substantially higher wagering activity compared to those with smaller fields.