Tampa Bay Downs announced its third purse increase this season, which will go into effect with Saturday's card. Ongoing gains in simulcast revenue have led to another 10% boost, with an additional $2,500 for all allowance races and maiden special weights and $1,250 claiming and starter races. The increase amounts to approximately $15,000 more per day in total purse money. Tampa Bay Downs previously increased purses by 10% Dec. 16 and again on Feb. 3.
Officials further postponed the track's annual Turf Sprint Showcase Day from Sunday to next Wednesday, Feb. 24. Both races had been pushed back from Saturday to Sunday earlier because of the soaked condition of the turf course, which last saw action Friday.
With more rain forecast later this week, the decision was made to give the turf course plenty of time to dry out and create conditions as equitable as possible for all runners.
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