Incentive Awards

 

Incentive Award Program It Pays to be Cal-bred!

Total 2010 Awards
Breeder Awards - $5.007 million
Stallion Awards - $1.669 million
Owner Awards - $1.112 million
(From CTBA & TOC Program)
Restricted Races - $17.7 million
(Includes Sunshine Millions)

California’s Incentive Programs

The Racing and Breeding Industry's Impact on California's Economy

California’s Incentive Programs

Questions and answers concerning California-breds and California’s lucrative incentive awards program, which was responsible for breeders, owners and stallion owners collecting more than $10.7 million for 2010.

Who qualifies for the awards? The breeders and owners of registered California-bred Thoroughbreds and the owners of California-based stallions.

What are Breeders Awards? A monetary award which is paid to the breeder of a registered California-bred Thoroughbred finishing first, second or third in any race run in California and any graded stakes races conducted within the United States. Breeders will receive 75 percent of the remainder of the total incentive award monies after owner awards are paid, with an individual breeder receiving a pro-rated share of this breeders fund. The maximum purse considered earned in any qualifying race within this state shall be $330,000 for a win, $120,000 for a second and $90,000 for a third-place finish. Breeder awards always are paid exclusive of nomination, entry and starting fees.

What are Owners Awards? A monetary award which is paid to the owner of a registered California-bred Thoroughbred horse which runs in qualifying races in California. Owners can receive at least a 20 percent bonus on the finisher’s share for finishing first through fifth in an open allowance or overnight stake race and up to a 20 percent bonus for finishing first in an open starter allowance above $15,000 and open non-maiden claiming races with a claiming price of $40,000 or greater in Southern California and $20,000 or greater in Northern California. These levels are purposely set high to encourage the ownership of high-quality runners and to restrict the number of qualifiers so that the awards will function as a major incentive. Owner awards always are paid exclusive of nomination, entry and starting fees. They are listed in the racing program and will be distributed at the same time as the purse by the paymaster.

What is the Maiden Bonus Program? A Maiden Bonus award will be paid to the owner of a registered California-bred or registered California-sired foal for breaking his maiden in a maiden special weight, allowance or stakes race. The bonus amount is $10,000 in Northern California and all Fair meets throughout the state and $20,000 in Southern California. Beginning in 2011, only races of 4 1/2 furlongs or longer qualify for the maiden bonus. These awards are paid directly to the owner in about 45 racing days.

What are Stallion Awards? In order to stimulate the acquisition in California of nationally prominent stallions, and retain high caliber California stallions, monetary awards are paid annually to the owners of registered California stallions whose California-conceived or California-bred get have won a qualifying race or have finished first, second, or third in a stakes race in the state or any graded stakes race within the United States during the year. Qualifying races are any non-claiming races, including maiden allowance and starter allowance races, with a purse of at least $15,000, and open non-maiden claiming races with a claiming price of $40,000 or greater in Southern California and $20,000 or greater in Northern California also qualify. Stallion awards are exclusive of nomination, entry and starting fees. Stallions must be registered by February 15 each year to be eligible for stallion awards. Stallion owners will receive 25 percent of the remainder of the total incentive award monies after owners awards are paid, with an individual owner of a registered California stallion (as of December 31) receiving a prorated share of the stallion fund based on the total qualifying earnings of the get during the year. The maximum purse considered earned in any qualifying race within this state shall be $330,000 for a win, $120,000 for a second and $90,000 for a third-place finish. The stallion must be continuously present in California from February 1 to July 15, inclusive, of the calendar year in which the qualifying race was conducted, and if the sire left California after July 15 of the calendar year in which the qualifying race was conducted, the sire returned to and was present in California by February 1 of the following calendar year and thereafter remained until July 15 of that year. The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) will help compile data, but it is the ultimate responsibility of the stallion owner to advise that official registering agency, on or before February 15 of any year, of any and all purses earned during the preceding year that shall be considered in determining the amount of the stallion award to which the owner is entitled.

Does the program include races outside of California? Yes. The breeder of a California-bred Thoroughbred finishing first, second or third in a graded stakes outside of California, but within the United States, will be paid a pro-rated share of the breeders fund. The maximum purse considered earned in any race shall be $165,000 for a win, $60,000 for second and $45,000 for a thirdplace finish. CTBA will help compile data, but it is the ultimate responsibility of the breeder to advise the official registering agency (CTBA), on or before February 15 of any year, of any and all purses earned during the preceding year in graded stakes races outside of this state by horses bred by the breeder. Also, the owner of a registered California stallion whose California-conceived or California-bred get finished first, second or third in a graded stakes outside of California, but within the United States, will be paid a pro-rated share of the Stallion fund with the maximum purse considered earned the same as the breeders above.

When are the premiums paid? Owner awards are paid at the same time as the purse by the paymaster. Breeder awards are paid twice a year with a conservative advance payment of 10 percent being paid by September 1 and the final payment for 2010 being paid by March 31, 2011. The stallion awards are paid prior to March 31, 2011.

Are there special racing opportunities for California-breds? Yes. Racetracks in California are required by law to offer one race per day which is restricted to Californiabreds. Last year this amounted to 285 additional racing opportunities and over $11 million in additional purses for California-breds. In addition, the California legislature has declared its intent that at least 10 percent of the total stakes purses paid at any race meeting in California be paid on stakes races restricted to registered California-breds. This amounted to over $4.4 million in 2010. Part of the funding for California Cup at Santa Anita will come from the incentive award category, the California-bred Race Fund. Ten percent of the total incentive award monies will be used for this category, with the monies funding the promotion of California-bred races, the supplement of purses for California-bred races and the creation of new California-bred stakes.

What is the definition of a California-bred? The definition of a California-bred is as follows: A California-bred Thoroughbred is a horse dropped in California after being conceived in California, or any Thoroughbred foal dropped by a mare in California if the mare remains in California to be next bred to a Thoroughbred stallion standing in the state. If the mare cannot be bred for two successive seasons, but remains in California during that period, her foal will be considered a California-bred.

What is the definition of a California-sired? A “California-sired horse” is a Thoroughbred that was conceived in California by a registered California Stallion. A California-sired horse is only eligible for entry in races restricted to California-bred or California-sired horses and is not eligible for any breeder or owner awards, except the maiden bonus awards. The fee to register a foal as a California-sired is $100.00 for CTBA members and $125.00 for non-members.

How does one register a California-bred? Registration applications must be filed with the CTBA. Only those horses which are both registered with The Jockey Club and fulfill all requirements as outlined in the definition of a California-bred are eligible. The fees for registration are as follows: 1) $100.00 for CTBA members, $125.00 for non-members if applied for by September 30 of foal’s yearling year; 2) $125.00 for CTBA members, $150.00 for nonmembers if applied for after September 30 of yearling year butbefore January 1 following; and 3) $750.00 if applied for after January 1 of two-yearold year.

If desired, application can be made in advance of receipt of Jockey Club Certificates to escape penalty for late filing, but no actual registration will be made until certificates are available. CTBA has representation at California tracks to help facilitate late registrations.

How can I obtain more information? Contact Doug Burge or Mary Ellen Locke at the CTBA offices across the street from the Santa Anita Park racetrack in Arcadia at the address and phone numbers listed here.

Breeder Award

Total year end Breeder Awards=$5.007 Million
Total year end Breeder Winnings=$42.271 Million
Breeder Award Percentage $5.007/$42.271 = 11.845%

Stallion Award

Total year end Stallion Awards=$1.669 Million
Total year end Stallion Winnings=$12.645 Million
Stallion Award Percentage $1.669M/$12.645M=13.198% 

If a horse qualified for and earned a $15,000 purse in a race;

Breeder Award = $15,000 x 11.845% = $1,776.75

Stallion Award = $15,000 x 13.198% = $1,979.70 

Owners Awards

From the CTBA Incentive Fund - 20% of the winners share of the purse for a qualifying race shall be distributed as an owner award to a registered Cal-bred thoroughbred horse conceived by a registered eligible thoroughbred stallion, which finishes first in the race. 10% of the winner’s share of the purse for a qualifying race shall be distributed as an owner award to a registered Cal-bred thoroughbred not conceived by a registered eligible stallion, which finishes first in the race.

Under the CTBA Owner Program - Qualifying races are all open allowance races and certain open claiming races with minimum qualifying purse levels. Owners awards are not paid on restricted races. (No Stakes)

TOC Owner Award Program - Qualifying races are all open allowance races and certain open claiming races with minimum qualifying purse levels. Owners awards are not paid on restricted races. (No Stakes) TOC Owner Award Program - Guaranteed total of 30% bonus to California-breds finishing 1-5 in open overnight stakes, and 1-5 in open allowance, excluding starter allowance. No bonuses are paid on restricted races. (Those races that CTBA gives a 20% bonus to the winner, the TOC will add 10%).

CALIFORNIA INCENTIVE PROGRAMS

In 2010, the breeders and owners of California-bred Thoroughbreds and the owners of California-based stallions received over $10.7 million in premiums through the California Incentive Program. In addition, special racing opportunities afforded California-breds in 2010, by the race-per-day rule at California tracks, provided more than $17.7 million in purses for races restricted to California-breds.

As a result of legislation amended in 1996, total monies available for incentive awards are distributed as follows: 10% to the California-bred race fund; a 20% bonus on the winner’s share to the owner of a California-bred Thoroughbred horse conceived by a registered eligible Thoroughbred stallion that finishes first in an open qualifying race, and a 10% bonus on the winner’s share to the owner of a California-bred Thoroughbred horse that finishes first in an open qualifying race that was not conceived by a registered eligible Thoroughbred stallion. The tracks are adding an additional 10% for Cal-Bred winners of allowance races making the bonus 30%. A qualifying race is all non-claiming races excluding stakes or claiming races with a purse of at least $15,000, as are open claiming races with a claiming price of at least $40,000 at this meeting. After these deductions, 75% of the remainder to be paid as breeders awards, and 25% of the fund to be paid as stallion awards. The legislation also calls for owner’s awards to be paid once a year, and 2009 awards will be paid during March, 2010.

The breeder of a registered California-bred Thoroughbred will receive a pro-rated share of total monies available for breeders. These awards are payable for finishing first, second, or third in any race run in California, or in a graded stakes outside California, but within the United States.

The owner of a registered California-based stallion will receive a pro-rated share of monies available for stallion owners based upon the earnings of the stallion’s California-bred or California-conceived progeny from qualifying wins in California and also for finishing first, second, or third in all stakes within California and graded stakes outside California but within the United States.

The California-bred race fund will provide for the promotion of California-bred races and to provide for or supplement purses for California-bred races. More than ever, it pays to breed and own a Cal-Bred. Just ask the breeder or owner of one. For more information, call the CTBA (626) 445-7800.

New California-Bred or Sired Maiden Bonus Program
Along with new eligibility conditions for California-Breds

A new bonus program is in place for California-Bred or Sired horses. Funded by the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) and the various racing associations, this new program will greatly increase the return for those investing in California-Bred or Sired horses. The goal of this program is to increase demand for California-Bred or Sired horses by significantly increasing the purse money and opportunities available for California-Bred or Sired horses. The backbone of this new program is the creation of a lucrative maiden bonus program, providing a quick return for those successfully racing California-Bred or Sired horses.

This program will provide:
1. A $20,000 bonus made available for owners of registered California-Bred or Sired maidens in Maiden Special races in Southern California; and
2. A $10,000 bonus for owners of registered California-Bred or Sired maidens in Maiden Special races in Northern California and all Fair meets throughout the state.
 
Beginning in 2011, only races of 4 1/2 furlongs or longer qualify for the maiden bonus.

The bonus will go to the owner of the winner and will be paid directly by the CTBA in about 45 racing days. To put this into perspective: In Southern California, at the recently concluded Santa Anita Park meet, a California-bred or Sired Maiden Special race, going long, carried a purse of $46,000, of which $27,600 goes to the winner. Under the new scenario, the winner would receive the $27,600 plus an additional $20,000 for a net amount of nearly $50,000. In the North, the same applies with the owner receiving $10,000 over and above the purse earned.

If a California Bred wins an open Maiden Special race, the owner would also receive the current owner bonus available in open company as well as the new amount.

This program, designed to quickly reward those investing in California-Bred or Sired horses, will significantly increase their value overnight. The various racing secretaries support this tremendous boost and have made a commitment to write and fill more California-bred and Sired Maiden Special races.

Maiden Claiming Program

Although maiden claiming races will not qualify for the above described bonus, the tracks will increase the bottom level California-Bred or Sired maiden claiming price in the South from $40,000 to $50,000. Along with the increased protection/value of these horses, the purse will also be elevated to reflect the raise. Horses which break their maiden for $50,000* in these races will now be eligible for Starter Allowance races for open $40,000 or less maiden claiming winners.

FOR TWO-YEAR-OLDS which have broken their maidens for a claiming price of $40,000 or less or CALIFORNIA-BRED OR SIRED horses which have broken their maidens for $50,000* or less or have never won TWO races.
OR
FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD which have started for a claiming price of $40,000 or less or CALIFORNIA-BRED OR SIRED horses which have started for a claiming price of $50,000* or less or have never won TWO races.
*Races restricted to California-Bred or Sired horses.

2010 Minimum Qualifying Purse Levels for Claiming Races

$16 Million in Restricted Racing
There has never been a better time to breed and race California-breds! With restricted purses worth more than $16 million, and valuable incentive awards available for breeders, owners and stallion owners totaling an additional $10 million, it truly does pay to race Cal-breds.

Each racing association in the state is required to offer at least one Cal-bred restricted race per day and allocate at least 10 percent of their total stakes dollars to Cal-bred restricted stakes. The latter has resulted in a stakes program that has 57 races with purses totaling $5 million. By law, approximately 10 percent of the total incentive program revenues are allocated to the Cal-bred race fund. This fund is used to supplement Cal-bred stakes purses, including a large portion for Cal Cup purses, Cal-bred maiden allowance purses, and promotion of Cal-breds in general.

Each fall, CTBA co-sponsors Cal Cup Day in conjunction with the Oak Tree Racing Association and is held during the Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita. This celebratory event, inaugurated in 1990, is the highlight of the racing season for California breeders. This special day provides California breeders and owners an opportunity to showcase California's finest Thoroughbreds. Cal Cup also features an infield theme party, which includes a fantastic array of food, drink and entertainment in a festive atmosphere that everyone looks forward to each year with great anticipation.

The year 2000 marked the Inaugural California Gold Rush Day at Hollywood Park. This outstanding spring celebration is strictly for Cal-breds. The Gold Rush party held in Hollywood Park's elegant Turf Club is a fan favorite. The party offers fine cuisine, refreshing beverages, and exciting promotional giveaways throughout the day. The CTBA is proud to be associated with Hollywood Park and this tremendous day of racing for the California-bred.