by Mike Curry – The Thoroughbred Times January 24, 2012
Approximately 95% of the $20,441,117 contributed to the fund last year was generated from a percentage of state slot-machine revenues. Contributions to the fund in 2011 were bolstered in part by a strong December. The amount of gross revenue generated in December 2011 through the play of slot machines at Pennsylvania casinos was nearly 14% higher than revenue produced in December 2010, according to figures released by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
“The Pennsylvania Breeding Fund continues to benefit from healthy slots play,” said John B. ‘Jeb’ Hannum, executive secretary of the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association. “The fund exceeded $20-million for 2011 and this benefits all horsemen with Pennsylvania-Breds.” Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Plum Pretty, a Medaglia d’Oro filly bred in Pennsylvania by Silent Indy Stables and DDS Stables, received $130,000 in awards for her win in the $750,000 Cotillion Stakes (G2) on October 1 at Parx Racing in addition to the $430,500 she earned for that victory.
The Pennsylvania Breeding Fund Program and the state’s horsemen funded more than $12-million over 399 state-restricted races in 2011. The Pennsylvania-bred stakes schedule for 2011 featured $2.1-million in purses with a 25% bonus to Pennsylvania sired horses. “Looking ahead, we expect to see increased competition with New York and Ohio potentially affecting Pennsylvania facilities,” Hannum said. “Nonetheless, the fund remains robust and provides opportunities for horsemen through awards, purse bonuses, and restricted races. In addition, the racing industry provides a boost to the rural economy of the state and supports our agriculture industry…Mike Curry