The New York Racing Association and New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, have extended their Per Start Credit program for owners and trainers in an effort to increase horsemen participation and to help offset the costs of workers' compensation during the 2018-19 winter meet at Aqueduct Racetrack.
“The Per Start Credit program reflects NYRA's commitment to supporting owners and trainers who race with us throughout the winter,” said Martin Panza, NYRA SVP for Racing Operations. “We're pleased to work with NYTHA to bring it back for the 2018-19 winter meet at Aqueduct Racetrack.”
First launched for the 2017-18 Aqueduct winter meet, the program guarantees owners and trainers, including those shipping in from out-of-town racetracks or training facilities, who finish fourth through last in a race this winter at Aqueduct at least $300 per starter. The credit will be applied to any outstanding balance for the New York Jockey Injury Compensation Fund, which provides workers' compensation insurance for jockeys and exercise riders.
“Anything we can do to make New York an easier place to do business for our horsemen benefits the industry as a whole,” said NYTHA President Joe Appelbaum. “The Starter Loyalty Program is already reaping rewards for our owners. By bringing back the $300 Per Star Credit program, we will encourage greater participation year-round, which will grow field size, make our racing more attractive to bettors and strengthen business across the board.”
Under the NYRA purse structure, owners are now paid 55% of the total purse to the winner, 20% to second place, 12% to third, 6% to fourth, 4% to fifth, with the remaining 3% divided among the remaining runners. Owners of horses who finish sixth-through-last split the remaining 3% of the total purse, which can vary greatly depending on purse and field size. With the NYRA Per Start Credit in place, those owners will now earn a minimum of $300 per start.
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