Tampa Bay Adds Four Florida Sire Stakes

Tampa Bay Downs has reached an agreement with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association to conduct four Florida Sire Stakes (FSS) races during the upcoming 2017-18 season. The events will offer $450,000 in purse money to FTBOA-registered Florida-bred horses sired by FTBOA-registered Florida stallions which are FSS-eligible. A pair of $125,000 races will be run Saturday, Dec. 16, both at a distance of seven furlongs on the main track: the FTBOA Marion County Florida Sire S. for 3-year-old colts and geldings and the FTBOA City of Ocala Florida Sire S. for 3-year-old fillies. Then, on May 5, Tampa Bay Downs will hold the $100,000 FTBOA Silver Charm Florida Sire S. for 3-year-old colts and geldings and the $100,000 FTBOA Ivanavinalot Florida Sire S. for 3-year-old fillies. Both races are at a distance of a mile-and-40-yards on the main track.

“Adding four Florida Sire Stakes races is a major enhancement to our stakes schedule, which promises to be the best in track history,” Tampa Bay Downs Vice President-General Manager Peter Berube said. “With the support of the FTBOA and horsemen, we think our fans will be thrilled to have the opportunity to watch many of the best state-breds in action.”