SHAKOPEE, MN – The Minnesota Racing Commission recently authorized the payment of over $590,000 in breeder awards to Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse breeders for the 2017 racing season.  This record payout was due, in part, to Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) legislation passed last year.  Since the legislative initiative to license ADW providers, a portion of the revenues generated from Minnesota residents wagering on horse racing is being returned to Minnesota’s horse racing industry, providing increased funding for purses, breeders’ awards, and expanded regulatory oversight.

Minnesota Thoroughbred breeders will benefit from a 37% increase in awards in 2017 versus 2016.  130 Thoroughbred breeders/breeder groups will receive $442,505 in breeder awards and $83,660 in stallion awards.  249 Minnesota bred race horses earned qualifying purses at the Canterbury Park 2017 meet and 229 individual mares earned awards for their owners.  Minnesota Derby winner HOT SHOT KID was the top earning Minnesota Bred this year, earning $204,600 for his owner and breeder Warren Bush.  HOT SHOT KID’s mare, OUR SWEET MARY B, earned Mr. Bush another $12,283 in breeders’ awards via the Minnesota Breeders Fund program.

Minnesota Quarter Horse breeders will benefit from a 153% increase in awards in 2017 versus 2016.  The Quarter Horse breeders will receive $59,320 in breeder awards and $5,875 in stallion awards.  42 Minnesota Bred Quarter Horses earned qualifying purses at the 2017 Canterbury Park meet for their breeders.  35 individual mares earned awards for their owners.  Lunderborg, LLC’s mare PAINT OR MORE received $13,034 in Minnesota Breeders’ Fund payments thanks to the outstanding seasons of her offspring PYC JESS BITE MYDUST and DICKEY BOB.

“Participating in the Minnesota Breeders Fund has never offered more opportunities to race, breed and foal in Minnesota,” stated Minnesota Racing Commission Deputy Director, Joe Scurto.  “Thoroughbred Breeders were awarded 10.6% of eligible purses won by Minnesota bred racehorses and Quarter Horse Breeders received 14.7%.  Minnesota Thoroughbreds earned over $5 million at Canterbury alone in 2017 and all trends are pointing north for the program going forward.”