REMINDER: $700,000 Bonus Program Returns For MD-Breds This Summer

As Maryland horsemen prepare for the annual summer racing break at Laurel Park, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) and The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) would like to remind owners and trainers that the Maryland-Bred Owner & Developer Bonus Program will again be available this summer at Colonial Downs and Delaware Park.

Following a highly successful debut in 2025, the program returns in 2026 with an expanded $700,000 bonus pool — a $100,000 increase from last year.

The program was approved by the Maryland Racing Commission and is designed to provide continued financial support and incentive for Maryland-bred horses racing outside the state during Maryland’s temporary live racing hiatus.

PROGRAM DATES

The 2026 bonus program will run from:

📅 July 3, 2026 through August 23, 2026

This period aligns with the Laurel Park summer break.

ELIGIBILITY

Maryland-bred horses that finish 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in eligible overnight races at:

• Colonial Downs
• Delaware Park

Eligible races include non-restricted overnight races only.

Excluded races include:

• Stakes races
• Certified races
• State-bred restricted races

POINTS SYSTEM

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

BONUS STRUCTURE

The $700,000 bonus pool will again be distributed using a points-based system tied to race conditions and Maryland purse equivalents.

Key points include:

• Horses earn points based on race conditions and finishing position
• Total points accumulated determine each horse’s share of the pool
• Bonus payments are split evenly:
• 50% to Owner(s)
• 50% to Developer(s)

For purposes of the program, the “Developer” is defined as the owner at the time of the horse’s first career start.

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

CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR MARYLAND-BREDS

This summer incentive program complements Maryland’s existing Maryland-Bred Owner & Developer Bonus Program currently offered at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course, and Timonium Race Course, which provides:

• 30% purse bonuses
• 15% to Owner(s)
• 15% to Developer(s)

for Maryland-breds finishing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in eligible races.

Last year’s inaugural summer program proved extremely successful, with nearly 200 Maryland-bred horses earning bonus money while competing at Colonial Downs and Delaware Park during the Maryland summer break.

The MTHA encourages all owners and trainers with Maryland-breds to take advantage of this important opportunity again in 2026.

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