February 13, 2023 – By Minnesota Harness Racing Inc

The board of directors of MHRI (Minnesota Harness Racing Inc) met Tuesday, February 7^th to review and approve a revised purse schedule for Minnesota Sired races at Running Aces for the 2023 racing season. With improved casino performance and changes in the new 5-year contract negotiated by MHRI, Minnesota Sired purses are set to increase 16% overall from 2022 levels. As part of the new contract, Minnesota Sired funding increases from 30% of the purse account in 2022 to 32% in 2023, 34% in 2024 and 36% for 2025-2027.

According to MHRI President Justin Anfinson, “The Minnesota Sired program has been a quality program for some time. With the new contract we have locked in both growth in money dedicated to Minnesota sired horses, as well as the stability that comes with a 5-year agreement. There has never been a better time to breed and race in Minnesota.”

In addition to these increases the board voted to add two $15,000 midseason races per sex/gait for aged Minnesota bred horses and increased to purse for Night of Champions from $60,000 to $65,000.

1 Division – $18,000 in 2022. $22,000 in 2023.

2 Divisions – $19,800 (A) and $13,320 (B) in 2022. $22,000 (A) and $14,500 (B) in 2023.

3 Divisions – $16,500 (A), $9,900 (B), $6,600 (C) in 2022. $22,000 (A), $!4,500 (B), and $9,000 (C) in 2023.

2 Divisions By Sex – $16,500 in 2022. $18,250 in 2023.

3 Divisions By Sex – $12,375 (A), $12,375 (B), $8,250 (C) in 2022. $17,000 (A), $17000 (B), $10,500 (C) in 2023.