$18,000 in Maiden Special Weight and Allowance Races

PRESS RELEASE

OCALA, FL—The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association announced today added purse incentives for Florida-breds in maiden special weight and open allowance categories at the upcoming Tampa Bay Downs 2023-2024 race meet that begins Nov. 22.

These additional FTBOA funds enhance the track’s recently announced Florida-Bred Incentive Fund up to $18,000 per eligible race, distributed to FTBOA registered Florida-breds who finish first, second and third at the Oldsmar track.

Tampa Bay Downs announced in early August the $500,000 FBIF initiative on maiden special weight and allowance races upon an agreement with the FTBOA and the Tampa Bay Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. The FTBOA’s additional investment, in cooperation with Tampa Bay Downs, expands the total incentives to as much as $900,000.

“The FTBOA is pleased with Tampa Bay Downs’ and TBHBPA’s commitment to Florida-breds in the maiden special weight and allowance categories,” FTBOA Associate Vice President of Operations Steve Koch said. “It is fitting that the FTBOA further enhance the all-new FBIF, ensuring robust Florida-bred allowance opportunities and a full starting gate this winter at Tampa Bay Downs.”

Tampa Bay Downs Vice President and General Manager Peter Berube emphasized the additional Florida-bred funds benefit to horsemen.

“Tampa Bay Downs is very pleased to have reached an agreement with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association,” Berube said. “Florida-Breds are running for a 40 percent premium or $53,000 for maiden special weight races—a truly remarkable number for Tampa.”

These all-new incentives, appearing in race conditions as FBIF-FTBOA, are enabled by recent Florida state legislation delivering $55 million to purses and incentives across two years.

“The increased purse offerings for Florida-breds at Tampa Bay Downs this current meet is just one example of how the recently passed and FTBOA facilitated legislation quickly accomplishes an economic impact on Florida-bred racing and breeding,” FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said. “This new FBIF for Tampa Bay Downs is a true win for our breeders, the track and the horsemen and was only made possible by HB7063 becoming law this past July.”