STANDARDBRED PROGRAM 

 Stephen Quinn 



In the past 3 years we have seen many gains in the Standardbred industry in 

 Massachusetts. Our brood mares bred list has increased from 125 to 400. 

 Stallions fluctuated from 45 to 84 to 64, a normal curve for the industry, 

 showing it to be leveling off around 65 with the quality much improved. We also 

 have increased the number of acres dedicated to Standadrbred production from 

 3,000 to over 6,000 including the ultra modern facility just completed. Young 

 Meadow Farm in Hadley, at an investment of over 5 million dollars. 



The new reorganization legislation of the Department of Food and 

 Agriculture, includes a new Division of Equine Programs. It has provisions for 

 one Director, two Supervisors, a field inspector and a clerk. This certainly 

 will be welcomed by the industry as many of their wants cannot be attended to at 

 this time under the current system. 



This year's program included a spring and fall series at Foxboro with the 

 finalists among 3 year old pacers competing for a $40,000 purse. Seven fairs 

 and farm facilities were utilized to sponsor our mini-series across the state. 

 This provided good visibility for the program and introduced harness racing to 

 many people statewide. The state spent $400,000 promoting Standardbred farms 

 while the industry added $47,166 from sustaining and entry fees. 



The Standardbred Agricultural Fair and Breeding Fund Committee met several 

 times during the past year to assist the Commissioner in continuing to develop a 

 program that will increase the breeding within the state. 



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