THOROUGHBRED HORSE PROGRAM 

 Peter Bundy, Supervisor 



The Thoroughbred Breeding Program was enacted into law in 1969. 

 The purpose of this program is to encourage agriculture by the breeding 

 of Thoroughbred horses in the Commonwealth, and to maintain open spaces. 



Incentive award monies are paid to the breeders of Massachusetts 

 bred horses that finish first, second or third in any pari-mutuel races 

 at licensed Thoroughbred race tracks in Massachusetts. 



The breeders' awards amount to twenty per cent of the purse won by 

 the horse in the race. An additional award of five per cent is paid to the 

 owner of the stallion which sired said horse, provided the stallion stood 

 the entire breeding season in Massachusetts, and is registered with the 

 Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture. 



During the fiscal year of 1980, 1,087 Massachusetts bred Thoroughbreds 

 went to post at Suffolk Downs and four agricultural fairs. Of the number 

 of Massachusetts breds sent postward, these home-bred horses accounted for 

 151 wins, 149 seconds and 177 thirds, the best percentage of Massachusetts 

 breds ever to be competitive in open racing. 



This fact proves that the quality of Thoroughbred horses raised in 

 our State is definitely improving. 



Breeder and stallion awards from the Massachusetts Thoroughbred Breeding 

 Program amounted to $110,947.87 for this period. 



The revenue derived by the Commonwealth is five per cent of the money 

 wagered on Massachusetts breds, which is obviously a considerable sum. 



Over 200 Thoroughbred mares were bred by Massachusetts stallions during 

 this period, and the stallion roster remained approximately the same with 

 some older stallions being retired and new ones being added to the registry. 



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