March 2020 Issue

Page 72 March 2020 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN MATCH Series Returns for 2020 with Expanded Schedule, Bonuses The Mid-Atlantic Thor- oughbred Championships Series (MATCH) has been renewed for 2020, with an expanded sched- ule and an increase in owner, trainer and breeder bonus money thanks to new partner racetracks, horsemen’s groups and breeder associations. The Series, which returned in 2018 after a 16-year hiatus, will grow to 35 stakes at eight tracks, as the result of a com- mitment by Mid-Atlantic stake- holders to not only link regional stakes, enhance competition, and grow racing’s popularity, but also work toward the larger goal of coordination in a region with the largest concentration of daily racing in the United States. Recognizing the popular- ity and success of the Series, Colonial Downs and Holly- wood Casino at Charles Town Races, both of which were part of the MATCH Series during its initial run from 1997-2001, have rejoined the series, as have the Virginia and Charles Town HBPAs. The 2020 Series, which expands from four divisions to five, will begin April 18 with a unique split schedule at Laurel Park and Charles Town and run until Championship Day at Parx Racing on October 10. Except for the split sites on opening day to accommodate Charles Town’s entry into the Series, and Pimlico Race Course’s races split between Black- Eyed Susan Day and Preakness Day, the Series will continue the concept begun in 2019 of conducting a race in each of the divisions on a single-card for- mat at each participating track, roughly one month apart over a six-month period. Last year, there were 20 stakes spread over five MATCH Series days. Pari-mutuel handle increases were significant. The other 2020 racetrack partners are Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, PARX, Delaware Park and Mon- mouth Park. On the horsemen’s side, the Delaware THA, Mary- land THA, New Jersey THA, Pennsylvania THA, and Penn- sylvania HBPA are participating again this year. The 3-Year-Old Sprint— Dirt Division will join the four divisions from last year: 3-Year-Olds and Up Sprint— Dirt; Filly and Mare Sprint— Dirt; 3-Year-Olds and Up Sprint—Turf; and Filly and Mare Long—Turf. The divi- sion for 3-year-old sprinters was part of the MATCH Series before it went on hiatus. Charles Town and Lau- rel Park will combine for the launch, with the three dirt stakes in West Virginia and the two turf stakes in Maryland as part of big-event programs at both tracks. Following the first round of competition, the MATCH Series will be held at Pimlico May 15-16, Penn National June 21, Delaware Park July 11, Colonial Downs Aug. 15, Monmouth Sept. 12 and Parx Oct. 10. Each division will offer $75,000 in bonus money for owners and trainers to the top three finishers by points, while the overall MATCH Series leader by points regardless of division will earn an addition- al $75,000. Owner and trainer bonuses total $450,000, while purse money for the 35 stakes totals $3.75 million Horses must have three series starts to qualify for bonus money, and bonus points will be awarded to horses who make five to seven starts in their respective divisions. Last year four breeder organizations—the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, Thoroughbred Breeders Associa- tion of New Jersey, Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association and Delaware Certified Thoroughbred Program—each offered $5,000 bonuses for the top colt or geld- ing and filly or mare by overall MATCH Series points. The Virginia Thoroughbred Associa- tion and West Virginia Thorough- bred Breeders Association will join that program in 2020, so up to $60,000 will be available in breeder bonuses for horses that start at least three times in the series. In 2019, 2W Stables’ Bronx Beauty took home the overall championship after winning the Filly and Mare Sprint—Dirt Division in dramatic fashion for trainer Tony Margotta on the final day of the series at Monmouth. Bronx Beauty won the Regret Stakes to tie with Cash is King and Jim Reichenberg’s Ms Locust Point, her division rival, and then won the tie-breaker based on MATCH Series rules. The connections of Bronx Beauty earned a total of $110,000 in bonus funds, and the filly’s breeder, Blackstone Farm of Pennsylvania, collected a $5,000 bonus. Penn State Extension will offer a Horse Hay Workshop for both hay producers and horse owners on Thursday, March 26. The program will be held at New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, PA from 4:45 to 9 pm. The eve- Penn State March Horse Hay Workshop Planned ning will start with a joint session to discuss forage testing, molds and toxins in hay, hay prices, and storing hay safely. After dinner (provided by Sensenig’s Feed Mill), hay producers and horse owners will split into separate breakouts. Hay producers will learn about cost of production, soil fertility, weed management, reducing dry matter loss and drying time, and species selection and successful establishment. Horse owners will learn about links between sugar and laminitis, nutrition and selecting the right hay for your horse, alternatives to small square bales, and how hay producers make quality hay. Speakers are all from Penn State Extension and include Laura Kenny, Equine Educator; Andrew Frankenfield, Agronomy Educator; Dr. Danielle Smarsh, Equine Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist; and Dwane Miller, Agronomy Educator. The price for the evening is $30, and registration is required; space is limited. To register, call 877-345-0691 or visit extension. psu.edu/horse-hay-workshop by March 19. You will also find an agenda and more details on the website. For questions about the event, contact Laura Kenny at lbk8@psu.edu or (610) 489- 4315.