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New bonus programs available for owners, trainers at Belmont Stakes Racing Festival

by Pat McKenna

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced a number of unique incentives for owners and trainers at the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, slated for Thursday, June 8 through Saturday, June 10, at Belmont Park.

The lucrative festival is highlighted by the 155th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets – the final leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown on June 10 – and encompasses 16 stakes races worth a combined $7.65 million. The June 10 Belmont Stakes card will feature nine graded events, including three Breeders’ Cup qualifying races as part of the “Win and You’re In” series. 

During the three-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, horses placed fourth through last in stakes races and horses placed second through last in non-stake races, will receive a Starter Bonus as set forth below, for each eligible starter as part of the “Starter Bonus Program."

Additionally, trainers whose horses start in any race during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival (all races on Thursday, June 8th; Friday, June 9th; or Saturday, June 10th) that are not stabled at a NYRA track (Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course), will receive a shipping bonus of $1,000 to be credited to the owner’s account towards shipping expenses.

On Thursday, June 8, bonuses for owners of horses in the Grade 2 Wonder Again and Listed Jersey Girl will be awarded to the fourth-place [$5,000], fifth-place [$3,000] and sixth-place [$2,000] finishers, as well as the seventh through last-place finishers, who will each receive $1,000. Trainers of the fourth through last-place finishers will each receive $1,000. Additionally, the second through last-place finishers of the seven non-stakes races tentatively scheduled for the Thursday card will be awarded $1,000 to the owner and $500 to the trainer.

On Friday, June 9, bonuses for owners of horses in the Grade 1 New York, Grade 1 Acorn presented by Great Jones Distilling Co., Grade 1 Just a Game, Grade 2 Belmont Gold Cup and Grade 3 Intercontinental will be awarded to the fourth-place [$5,000], fifth-place [$3,000] and sixth-place [$2,000] finishers, as well as the seventh through last-place finishers, who will each receive $1,000. Trainers of the fourth through last-place finishers will each receive $1,000. Additionally, the second through last-place finishers of the six non-stakes races tentatively scheduled for the Friday card will be awarded $1,000 to the owner and $500 to the trainer.

On Saturday, June 10, bonuses for owners of horses in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets, Grade 1 Resorts World Casino Manhattan, Grade 1 Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap, Grade 1 Ogden Phipps, Grade 1 Jaipur, Grade 1 Woody Stephens presented by Mohegan Sun, Grade 2 True North, Grade 2 Brooklyn and Grade 3 Poker will be awarded to the fourth-place [$5,000], fifth-place [$3,000] and sixth-place [$2,000] finishers, as well as the seventh through last-place finishers, who will each receive $1,000. Trainers of the fourth through last-place finishers will each receive $1,000. Additionally, the second through last-place finishers of the four non-stakes races tentatively scheduled for the Saturday card will be awarded $1,000 to the owner and $500 to the trainer. 

Requirements for both bonuses include that the horse must be declared an official starter. Horses that are placed on a poor performance and/or veterinarian list will not be eligible for the bonus.

An American tradition inaugurated in 1867 at Jerome Park Racetrack and moved in 1905 to its now familiar home at Belmont Park, the Belmont Stakes has provided fans with some of the most exciting moments in sports history. From Secretariat’s spellbinding 31-length victory in 1973 to American Pharoah successfully ending a 37-year Triple Crown drought in 2015, the Belmont Stakes is engrained in the consciousness of sports fans around the world.

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown triumph, which NYRA will commemorate throughout the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. 

For additional information on the 2023 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and details on hospitality offerings, ticket packages and pricing, visit BelmontStakes.com.