Gulfstream Park's 2019 Summer stakes schedule will be worth $3.775 million and will be highlighted by the June 29 Summit of Speed Day featuring the $250,000 GII Princess Rooney S. and $250,000 GIII Smile Sprint S. The summer season, which runs from Apr. 4 through Sept. 29, will also include the $1.4-million FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes. The series, for juveniles by nominated Florida stallions, kicks off Aug. 3 and continues Aug. 31 before concluding Sept. 28.
Average daily purses for the four-day race week will be $315,000 and there will be $1 million in Florida-bred incentive rewards for all levels of 2-year-old races beginning in April.
“The summer racing season at Gulfstream has grown every year and we're looking forward to our best summer season ever,” said Gulfstream's General Manager Bill Badgett. “With horsemen supporting our product and more horses being stabled in South Florida year-round, we will continue growing our product and working with all our partners.”
Gulfstream also announced fifth to last-place finishers will receive a stipend of $750 or $500, depending on the race.
“The summer should be strong,” said Stephen Screnci, President of the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association. “I'm also happy about the [$750 to $500] for running a horse because that's a 15 or 20% reduction to owners every month in expenses.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
