BY TAMPA BAY DOWNS PRESS OFFICE

OLDSMAR, FL—Florida-bred horses will compete for an additional $1 million in purse money during the upcoming 2025-26 Tampa Bay Downs meet, the track’s 100th anniversary season.

The increase brings the total of additional purse money available for registered Sunshine State products to more than $2 million during the 90-day meet. The money will be allocated to all overnight races, with as much as an extra $21,000 (plus $2,000 in Florida Owner Awards) available for Florida-breds in maiden special weight and allowance races.

“We’re delighted this money has become available,” Tampa Bay Downs Director of Racing and Racing Secretary Allison De Luca said. “It’s a significant boost for Florida-breds and should help [increase] entries.”

The money will be paid to all Florida-bred horses finishing first, second or third in overnight races on a 70-20-10-percent basis. Florida-breds will be running for $55,000-$56,500 in all maiden special weight and allowance races.

The 2025-26 meet is scheduled to begin Wednesday, Nov. 19 and run through Sunday, May 3. 

Stall applications are available online at www.tampabaydowns.com and are due by Sept. 15. The first condition book will be available at www.equibase.com on Wednesday.

Officials and staff of Tampa Bay Downs invite Thoroughbred lovers and newcomers alike to share the excitement of the Oldsmar oval’s meet-long centennial celebration, marking the track’s opening on Feb. 18, 1926.

Return to the August 19 issue of Wire to Wire