THOROUGHBRED HORSE PROGRAM 

 Peter Bundy, Supervisor 



The Massachusetts Breeding Program, enacted into law in 1969, 

 provides cash awards of 20 percent of purse won, to breeders of 

 horses that finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd in pari-mutuel running horse races 

 within the Commonwealth. An additional award of 5 percent of purse 

 won is paid to the owner of the stallion which sired said horse and 

 stands the entire breeding season in the state, and is registered 

 with the Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture. 



The purpose of the program is to encourage the breeding of 

 Thoroughbred horses in the state, and to maintain open spaces and 

 promote agriculture. 



During the 1981 fiscal year, 1284 Massachusetts bred Thoroughbreds 

 started at Suffolk Downs and four agricultural fairs. These horses 

 accounted for 128 wins, 143 2nds, and 145 3rds, indicating that 

 Massachusetts breds are definitely competitive in open racing. 



Breeder incentive awards cimounted to $123,777, and stallion 

 owner awards were $15,089 for the fiscal year. A deficiency budget 

 of $20,000 was filed as the annual appropriation was not enough to 

 cover the monies due for the awards. 



Over 200 Thoroughbred mares were bred to Massachusetts stallions 

 in this period, and the number of Thoroughbred stallions standing in 

 Massachusetts increased from 40 to 45. 



The formation of the Massachusetts Thoroughbred Breeders 

 Association Inc. was a positive step for horse farmers, as an 

 organized breeders group was needed to present a solid front to the 

 state legislature in procuring positive legislation for the 

 Massachusetts horse breeder. The new breeders association has, in 

 fact, filed legislation that, if enacted, would create a healthy 

 financial climate for the neophyte horse farmer. 



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