Altoona, IA – On the heels of Canterbury Park announcing starter incentives and purse payout increases, Prairie Meadows today announced their own batch of incentives for the 2019 racing season.

Incentives include a starter bonus which awards $250 to every starter in an overnight race during the bonus period. The bonus period runs from May 3 – May 27. There is a two-race cap for the bonus, regardless of ownership during either start. The purse participation incentive increased from $200 to $250 this year. This incentive, which is available throughout the 2019 Thoroughbred season, is awarded to horses that finish sixth through last place in an overnight race.

“When you factor in both incentives, an overnight starter in Book 1 is guaranteed a minimum of $500. This should appeal to horsemen that have horses fit and ready to run beginning May 3,” stated Assistant Racing Secretary Chad Keller. “These incentives are a great benefit to horsemen as they can help cover some of the costs they incur – from shipping to setting up their stables with bedding and supplies to race day expenses.”

In the 2019 Thoroughbred season, horsemen will see a $500 across-the-board increase on overnight race purses.

“There’s a lot of positive momentum here in Iowa as we head into 2019 with attractive incentives, purses, race dates, and facilities,” said Keller.

Prairie Meadows’ 67-day Thoroughbred season runs May 3 – September 10.