THOROUGHBRED BREEDING PROGRAM 

 Peter Bundy 



The Massachusetts Thoroughbred Breeding Program continued to be an effec- 

 tive incentive program, as the numbers of Thoroughbred horses being bred in 

 Massachusetts has more than tripled since passage of Chapter 558 of the Acts of 

 1981. 



The breeder, stallion, and owner awards of 25 percent, 15 percent and 5 

 percent of purses won by eligible Massachusetts bred horses amounted to 

 $256,003.86 for the past fiscal year. These cash awards were paid for racing at 

 Suffolk Downs and four agricultural fairs. 



At these racing meets, Massachusetts breds went postward 1,002 times, 

 accounting for 90 wins, 115 seconds, and 126 thirds. These numbers are not 

 impressive in the light of past years' figures, but they reflect a trailing off 

 of horse breeding prior to the advent of the new legislation. When the crops of 

 foals bred subsequent to 1981 appear at the racetracks, these figures will be 

 most impressive and continue to grow. 



Ten stake races for Massachusetts breds were run at Suffolk Downs during 

 the past year. Only one race was run as a non-betting event, while the others 

 were pari-mutuel , and generated much interest. The breeding program funded 

 $157,500 toward these races, and the share from Ogden-Suffolk Downs was $67,500. 



Nearly 400 mares were bred in Massachusetts last year, and over 60 

 stallions of good quality were registered with this Department. 



The Massachusetts Thoroughbred Breeders Association, founded in 1981, has 

 been very effective in promoting Thoroughbred breeding in Massachusetts. This 

 association has promoted farm tours, breeding and management seminars, yearling 

 shows, horse sales and various activities that have been of vast help to the 

 Commonwealth's horse fanners. 





Massachusetts 

 bred . . . and raised! 



o 



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