The 2012 Golden State Series encompasses new stakes and purse enhancements to existing stakes that will be jointly funded by the Thoroughbred Owners of California, the California Marketing Committee and through nominations of 2-year-olds in 2012.
“This is a wonderful addition to the Cal-bred racing program and a natural extension of the very successful maiden bonus program,” said Doug Burge, executive vice president and general manager of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
“Through the financial support once again of the entire racing industry in the state, we are able to provide a very lucrative return for those breeding and racing in California. While this program initially boosts the opportunities for 2- and 3-year-olds and provides a quick reward to successful owners/breeders, it is our goal over time to expand the purses and number of races for older horses as well. We are especially thrilled to have Northern California participation in this new series. There are many reasons to breed and/or race in California, and the benefits continue to grow.”
For foals of 2010, a $300 eligibility payment must be made by February 15. Foals not made eligible by that date can become eligible with payment of a one-time supplemental fee of $25,000. Foals of 2009 and earlier will be grandfathered into the program with no eligibility payment.
“With the current economic climate adversely affecting the breeding industry this is a major step in the right direction for California racing,” said Martin Panza, racing secretary and vice president of racing at Hollywood Park.
“We know that 50 percent of our field size is made up of California-breds and that this number is likely to increase, therefore any measures that we can take to ensure the future of the California breeding industry should pay dividends down the road. Every racing circuit in the country is going to become more dependent on their state-bred programs as the foal crops in general continue to decline.”
“The Cal-bred programs contribute significantly to the horse inventory and to field sizes in California and are an important component in filling cards and supporting handle,” said TOC president Lou Raffetto. “We applaud CTBA for their initiatives in this area and are glad to work with them.”
There will be six new races:
The $200,000 Echo Eddie for 3-year-olds at 6 ½ furlongs March 15 at Santa Anita;
The $200,000 Evening Jewel for 3-year-old fillies at 6 ½ furlongs on March 17 at Santa Anita;
The $100,000 Campanile Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at one mile on the turf on June 2 at Golden Gate;
The $100,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes for 3-year-olds at one mile on the turf on June 9 at Golden Gate;
The $200,000 King Glorious for 2-year-olds at seven furlongs on Nov. 15 at Hollywood Park;
The $200,000 Soviet Problem for 2-year-old fillies at seven furlongs on Nov. 15 at Hollywood Park.
The boost in purses for 2-year-olds:
The I’m Smokin Stakes on Sept. 5 at Del Mar from $100,000 to $150,000;
The Cal Cup Juvenile on Oct. 29 at Santa Anita from $100,000 to $250,000;
The Cal Breeders Championship on Dec. 30 at Santa Anita from $100,000 to $300,000.
The boost in purses for 2-year-old fillies:
The Generous Portion Stakes on Aug. 31 at Del Mar from $100,000 to $150,000;
The Cal Cup Juvenile Fillies on Oct. 29 at Santa Anita from $100,000 to $250,000;
The Cal Breeders Championship Fillies on Dec. 30 at Santa Anita from $100,000 to $300,000.
The boost in purses for 3-year-olds:
The Snow Chief Stakes on Apr. 28 at Hollywood Park from $150,000 to $300,000;
The Real Good Deal Stakes on Aug. 10 at Del Mar from $100,000 to $200,000.
The boost in purses for 3-year-old fillies:
The Melair Stakes on Apr. 28 at Hollywood Park from $125,000 to $300,000;
The Fleet Treat Stakes on July 30 at Del Mar from $100,000 to $200,000.
To encourage and reward participation, purse money will be distributed through sixth place in races with purses between $100,000-$150,000 and through eighth place in races with purses of $200,000-$300,000.