It’s payday for thoroughbred breeders in Kentucky. The Kentucky Equestrian Commission announced on February 20, the release of the 2022 Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders Incentive Fund, totaling $17.4 million.
“It’s an exciting time of year in Kentucky,” Governor Andy Beshear said. “Start with the release of these funds to Kentucky breeders and begin the countdown to the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
“The Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders Incentive Fund has accomplished its mission of keeping mares and ponies in our beautiful state, fostering our strong multi-billion dollar equine industry and providing providing more than 60,000 jobs to hard-working Kentuckians,” added Beshear.
Nine out of the 10 highest earners in the United States in 2022 are of mixed Kentucky. Another look at the stats shows that in 2022, the Kentucky hybrids:
- Win 69% in all US graded bet races
- Win 78% of tier 1 races in the US
The KBIF was launched in 2005 to ensure the strength of Kentucky’s horse industry by awarding money to individuals who choose to breed Thoroughbred mares in Kentucky. To qualify, mares must be in state during pregnancy, and the final prize amount is based on the foal’s final earnings at the racecourse.
KBIF is funded through a percentage of sales tax paid when a stallion is mated to a mare in Kentucky. Since the foundation of the fund, more than $217 million has been distributed to Kentucky breeders to win qualifying races worldwide.
A list of the 2022 award winners, along with the amounts awarded and other interesting statistics, can be found on the KHRC website at https://khrc.ky.gov/new_docs.aspx?cat=79.
This press release has been edited by BloodHorse Staff for content and style.
