Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association

Edited press release Taking the next step in utilizing the state's lucrative Breeding Fund to enhance the breeding industry, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association has established its first-ever 2-year-old PA-sired PA-bred stallion series, with $600,000 in stakes purses to be offered in 2022. The series will consist of two stakes races on each of two race days at Parx Racing. One race each day will be open to all 2-year-olds and the other for 2-year-old fillies. In January, the PHBA Board asked the stallion principals for suggestions on how to...

Edited Press Release The Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association (PHBA) announced its endorsement of an amendment that would ban the transport of American slaughter-bound horses across both state lines and over country borders. The amendment, which was led by U.S. Representatives Troy Carter, Brian Fitzpatrick, and John Katko, will be offered to the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act, H.R.3684. Scheduled to be on the House floor in coming weeks, it would effectively ban horse slaughter in America. The organization also supports the...

The Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association honored its 2020 champions during a virtual celebration of the 42nd annual Iroquois Awards last Friday. Multiple stakes-winning Caravel (Mizzen Mast), bred, owned and trained by Elizabeth Merryman, was named Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old filly. Other champions announced Friday were: 2yo Filly: Plane Drunk (Stay Thirsty); 2yo Male: Fire's Finale (Jump Start); 3yo Male: Dreams Untold (Smarty Jones); Older, Turf and Sprinter Female: Jakarata (Bustin Stones); Older Male: Wait for It (Uptowncharlybrown); Turf and Sprinter Male: The Critical Way (Tizway). PA-Preferred Female...

Edited press release Continuing to demonstrate its commitment to the health and welfare of Thoroughbreds, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association (PHBA) announced its endorsement of the John Stringer Rainey Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act. The SAFE Act, named for the late South Carolina philanthropist and former director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), is legislation that would permanently end the slaughter of American horses for human consumption in the United States and abroad. It also amends Title 18 of the U.S. Code by making it illegal to "possess, ship,...

In the wake of the COVID-19 shutdown, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association released the rundown of the payment structure for the remainder of the 2020 season. Breeder awards, which will remain at the same rate as before the closure, will include an additional 25% for maiden races (first through third). The breakdown is: 50% for PA-Sired PA-Breds and 25% for non-PA-Sired PA-Breds. Breeder awards in all other races will remain at 40% and 20%, respectively. Additionally, owner bonuses will remain unchanged: Parx will be at 40%, Penn National at 20%...

Following a Thursday meeting with the governor's office and the state department of health, the Pennsylvania Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (PHBPA) has notified members that a tentative date for live racing at Presque Isle Downs is now July 6. The Presque Isle stable area would tentatively open June 15, according to a one-page memo signed by Todd Mostoller, the PHBPA's executive director. No resumption date was listed for Penn National, where the PHBPA also represents horsemen. Penn National currently has horses stabled on the grounds after stopping racing back...

The Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association will begin offering grants for breeders, the group announced in a letter Wednesday afternoon. "Thanks to the generosity of Chuck Zacney and Glenn Bennett, along with a contribution from the PHBA, we are happy to announce that we are offering grants to help alleviate some of the financial hardship you are experiencing," the letter read. The grants will be awarded as follows: $250/horse, up to a maximum of $1,000 (four horses). Breeders are asked to submit a letter explaining their financial need, but must meet...

A day after receiving the potentially devastating news that as much as 80% of the slots money that goes to purses in the state of Pennsylvania may be diverted elsewhere, leaders of the state's breeding industry began to plot a campaign that they hope will convince politicians that the industry must be protected. Tuesday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf unveiled a budget proposal which called for $204 million to be taken out of the Race Horse Development Fund and diverted to a program that would provide college scholarships for Pennsylvania residents....