CTBA Initiatives Boost California Thoroughbred Breeding Industry
The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) presented three initiatives to support the state's breeding industry during a meeting with the California Horse Racing Board. California-breds now make up half of the state's racing fields, a significant change from the past. The decline in the Thoroughbred foal crop in California has prompted the CTBA to introduce a $30 million racing and incentive program to encourage breeders to stay in the state.
One of the incentives offered by the CTBA is a payment of $1,000 per foal, up to a cap of 25, for mares bred in 2026 and registered as California-breds in 2027. The absence of racing in Northern California has led some owners to race in other states, putting pressure on the industry in California. Another component of the CTBA plan is a mare recruitment program that provides a reimbursement of $3,000 per mare purchased at a commercial sale and brought to California.
Additionally, the CTBA has waived all Cal-bred registration fees for the next three years to support breeders. The organization aims to address the challenges faced by breeders in the state and hopes to see positive results in the future. The California Horse Racing Board authorized a mixed sale at Fairplex in Pomona, further supporting the breeding industry in the state.
Despite the lack of gaming supplementation, purses in California remain competitive, with California-bred maiden special weight races offering a $70,000 purse at Santa Anita Park. The California-bred maiden bonus has been increased to $12,500 per race at Santa Anita for the upcoming meet. Two former Kentucky stallions, Collected and Eight Rings, have been brought to California to stand at Rancho San Miguel, enhancing the breeding opportunities in the state.
In conclusion, the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association is implementing various initiatives to support the breeding industry in the state and encourage breeders to stay in California. The incentives offered aim to address the challenges faced by breeders and promote the growth of the Thoroughbred industry in the region.