Through revenue generated by horse racing, the Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders Fund contributes to a wide variety of incentive programs which enhance opportunities for the Owners and Breeders of Illinois-Registered Thoroughbreds. The earning potential for Illinois-Registered Thoroughbreds abound in the state, with a broad range of races for all levels of ability, including:
ONE OF THE RICHEST BREEDING AND RACING PROGRAMS in the country, returning over $14 million each year to the Breeders and Owners of Illinois-Registered Thoroughbreds.
STAKE RACES are the highlight of any Program. Stake races are the goal of every Owner and
Breeder alike. With this in mind, the Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders Fund annually offers restricted stakes
races for all categories of Illinois Thoroughbreds from two-year olds to handicap stars, for colts and fillies,
on the dirt or on the grass. Stakes purses for Illinois Thoroughbreds total over $2 million annually.
The ILLINOIS SIRE INCENTIVE PROGRAM offers a $25,000 bonus to ONLY our Illinois
Conceived and Foaled Thoroughbreds who race in these restricted stakes races and place first through fifth.
These restricted stakes races are designed for all ages and sexes and are open to all Illinois-Registered
Thoroughbreds.
An OWNERS AWARDS PROGRAM is offered to the owners of Illinois Thoroughbreds which run
first, second or third in qualifying open company races. Illinois Conceived and Foaled Thoroughbreds are
paid an additional 60% of the earned purse and Illinois Foaled-Only Thoroughbreds are paid an additional
40% of the earned purse. This incentive can increase the normal 60% winners share of the purse to 96% of
the purse. Annually, nearly $5 million in purses and bonus awards are paid to owners of Illinois Thoroughbreds
who win open competition races!!!
Illinois' Polar Expedition (Career Earnings $1,491,071) High Alexander Stake
Photo courtesy of Four Footed Fotos 1993, 1994 & 1996 Illin9s Horse of the Year
COUNTY FAIR RACES totaling $75,000 annually
are available only for Illinois Thoroughbreds registered
under our Illinois Conceived and Foaled Program.
CONVENIENT RACING LOCATIONS are
another incentive with outstanding racing facilities
available from Arlington Park and Hawthorne Race Course
in the Chicago metropolitan area to Fairmount Park in
southern Illinois.
OFF-TRACK LOCATIONS - If you can't make it
to the track to watch your Illinois Thoroughbred in person,
try one of the many comfortable off-track locations.
