$700,000 BONUS PROGRAM RETURNS FOR MD-BREDS THIS SUMMER

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) and The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) have announced the return of the Maryland-Bred Owner & Developer Bonus Program for summer 2026, continuing a successful initiative that supports Maryland-bred horses during the state’s annual live racing break.

Following a strong debut in 2025, the program will return with the same structure and rules, with one key enhancement, a $700,000 Bonus Pool.

This represents a $100,000 increase from last year’s program, further strengthening incentives for Maryland-breds competing out of state during the summer months.

The bonus program was approved by the Maryland Racing Commission (MRC) at its April 8 meeting.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

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, 2026 through August 23, 2026, aligning with the Laurel Park summer break.

ELIGIBILITY

Maryland-bred horses that finish 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in non-restricted overnight races at Colonial Downs or Delaware Park.

Exclusions: Stakes races, Certified races, State-bred restricted races.

PAYOUT STRUCTURE

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.

Each horse’s share is based on total points accumulated.

Bonus payments are split evenly 50% to Owner(s), 50% to Developer(s).

The Developer is defined as the owner at the time of the horse’s first career start.

POINTS SYSTEM

The program will again utilize a four-tiered points structure aligned with Maryland purse levels.

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Starter Handicap races receive points equivalent to two claiming levels higher.

CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR MD-BREDS

This program complements Maryland’s existing Owner & Developer Bonus structure, which provides:

30% purse bonuses (15% Owner / 15% Developer).

For Maryland-breds finishing 1st–3rd in eligible races at Laurel Park, Pimlico, 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.

BUILDING ON SUCCESS

“The response to this program last year was extremely positive,” said Katharine M. 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.”

The return of this program—with an increased $700,000 allocation—reinforces the MTHA’s commitment to maintaining opportunity and financial support for Maryland horsemen during the summer racing break.

By incentivizing participation at regional tracks, the program ensures Maryland-breds remain competitive, visible, and financially supported while live racing in the state is paused.

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