In New York, the future of breeding programs is looking bright, with the New York Racing Association announcing plans to enhance the state breeding program by offering purse parity for New York-bred overnight races and 2-year-olds. These changes are intended to improve the quality of racing and boost interest and participation in the program, especially as Belmont Park reopens as the lone downstate track in the fall of 2026 or 2027.
The enhancements to the New York breeding program have been warmly received by breeders, stallion owners, and other participants in the program. The changes will provide added revenue and security for breeders, contrasting with the uncertainty in Florida where talk of only three more years of racing has left breeders concerned about the future.
The New York breeding program has seen a significant increase in the number of foals, with a 13.9% rise in 2024 compared to the previous year. The certainty of racing in New York, along with the new enhancements to the program, has attracted breeders and owners to the state, with some already moving mares from Florida to New York. The positive outlook for the New York breeding program stands in contrast to the challenges faced by breeders in other states.
