Purses are raised for Texas-breds at Lone Star, Sam Houston

Texas-breds are receiving a raise during the 2024 Thoroughbred race meets at Class 1 tracks in Texas. The Texas Thoroughbred Association, Texas Horsemen’s Partnership, Sam Houston Race Park and Lone Star Park came together to collectively approve a new purse structure.

For 2024, Texas-bred maiden special weight and allowance races will carry a minimum purse of $40,000 at Sam Houston and Lone Star Park. This is being accomplished by reconfiguring the allocation of funds provided by the TTA to the tracks from the Texas horse industry escrow account. The minimum purse of $40,000 for these races is a $7,000 increase per race, a 21 percent increase from 2023 levels for the same race conditions.

“It is gratifying to see what can be accomplished when the Thoroughbred industry and the racetracks work together. Supporting Texas horse owners and breeders and promoting the value of Texas-bred horses is our number one priority,” said Tracy Sheffield, president of the Texas Thoroughbred Association.

House bill 2463 was passed in the 2019 legislative session. Derived from a portion of state sales taxes on equine goods and services, it provides up to $25 million per year to stimulate the Texas Equine Industry, with 70 percent, or $17.5 million, earmarked for purse funds and the remaining 30 percent, $7.5 million available to the official state breed registries for Texas Racing Commission-approved events and programs. Funds became available in 2020.

“The purse restructuring shows dedication to Texas-breds on the racetrack and it has a positive impact on a large number of Texas horsemen,” said Bryan Pettigrew, vice president and general manager of Sam Houston Race Park. “The owners and trainers I have spoken with are praising the change. It’s putting more money on the table for Texas-breds.”

Since the passage of the house bill, the racing program has been expanded in the state. First of all, the Texas Thoroughbred Association Futurity at Lone Star Park was revamped with a $150,000 purse for each division. The $100,000 Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby and Oaks were both added to the Sam Houston Race Park calendar to further support the industry.

Numerous top stallions have moved into the state, strengthening the Texas Stallion Stakes, a six-race series for the offspring of participating Texas stallions. The increase in Texas-bred maiden special weight and allowance race purses is the latest development. The overall 2024 HIEA plan is pending Texas Racing Commission approval.

Handle in Texas has been hurt by the tracks' inability to export their simulcast signal to other states. Last year, the Texas Racing Commission shut down interstate simulcasting rather than comply with the federal Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act. The board maintains that Texas law gives it exclusive authority to regulate races run in the state.

The dispute continues to be contested in federal court.