The New York Racing Association will offer a $1-million bonus to any Japan-based Thoroughbred who competes in and wins the 2017 edition of the $1.5-million GI Belmont S. June 10. The entire $1-million bonus would be awarded to the winning horse's connections in addition to the $800,000 winner's share. In the event of a dead-heat for the win, the bonus will be $600,000.
“With Japan opening their simulcast markets to the world on a limited basis, we believe this has the potential for incredible growth for racing here in the U.S.,” said Martin Panza, NYRA's Senior Vice-President of Racing Operations. “In NYRA's talks with Japanese officials, they have conveyed to us that races with Japanese horses would be preferred for simulcasting. Japan has some of the most enthusiastic racing fans in the world and we've been working on this with Churchill Downs officials, who have implemented the 'Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby' this year, as a way to help attract these horses to the United States, enhancing the entire Triple Crown program.”
To qualify for the bonus, a horse must have made at least three starts in Japan prior to starting in the Belmont and be nominated to the Triple Crown series. The deadline for early nominations for the Triple Crown is Jan. 14. Late nominations will be open through Mar. 20.
NYRA will be adding traveling incentives to further entice Japanese horses for other races, such as the GI Belmont Derby/Oaks and the GI Metropolitan H.
“The New York Racing Association is one of the few organizations in the U.S. that has the ability to offer racing on an international level,” said Panza. “NYRA has done a good job of attracting European runners and now we will make a concerted effort to bring horses from Japan to both Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. We look forward to working with the Japan Racing Association in these efforts.”
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