MD-Bred Out of State Owner/Developer Bonus Program Delivers Big In First Year

The Maryland-Bred Out-of-State Owner and Developer Bonus Program proved its value in its first year, delivering $600,000 in bonuses to horsemen and breeders who raced Maryland-breds at Colonial Downs and Delaware Park between July 4 and August 16.

Created by the MTHA Board of Directors, the program was designed to support horsemen during Maryland’s summer racing hiatus while ensuring Maryland-breds continued to generate returns for their connections. The pause in live racing was a strategic decision, allowing the Purse Account to conserve funds as it takes on new obligations under the Pimlico Plus plan, which is designed to secure the long-term future of Maryland racing.

By focusing the break in July and August, when nearby racing options exist, horsemen were provided with opportunities that would not have been available during the winter months. The bonus program guaranteed Maryland-breds remained competitive and rewarded, even while racing shifted across state lines.

This initiative builds on Maryland’s successful Owner/Developer Bonus Program, which provides a 15% bonus to both owners and developers of Maryland-breds in open overnight races at Laurel Park, Pimlico, and Timonium. A “developer” is defined as the person who owned the horse at the time of its first career start.

The inaugural results underscored both the resilience of the program and the strength of Maryland-breds. At Delaware Park, two cards were lost to weather, while Colonial Downs opened its meet with the rare drama of a double dead heat—three of the four horses involved were Maryland-breds.

Bonuses will be distributed in early September following routine laboratory clearances. Owners will receive payments directly into their Maryland inCompass accounts, while developer bonuses will be mailed to the managing partner of record.

Horsemen may view a preliminary draft report on disbursements at the link below. A final report will be issued once all races are cleared.

🔗 2025 Preliminary Out of State Owner/Developer Bonus Program Report

Direct questions about the program to the MTHA by email at info@mdhorsemen.com.

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