Section 80. Allocation and restriction of funds

A. Allocation. The funds generated by harness racing through pari-mutuel wagering shall be allocated according to the following schedule:

1. 15% may be set aside for payment to the breeders of Virginia-bred Standardbred horses that win races at horse racing facilities licensed by the commission;

2. 10% may be set aside for payment to the owners or lessees of Virginia Standardbred stallions that sire Virginia-bred Standardbred horses that win races at horse racing facilities licensed by the commission; and

3. 75% may be paid to supplement purses according to the following provisions:

a. Not less than 75% may be set aside to develop a stakes program for Virginia-bred Standardbred horses; and

b. Any remaining amounts shall be set aside and may be paid to the owner or owners of a Virginia-bred Standardbred horse each time the horse wins or earns purse money in a nonrestricted race at a horse racing facility licensed by the commission.

B. Restriction. During the first five calendar years of live pari-mutuel harness racing in the Commonwealth, payment of stallion owner and breeder awards shall be limited to an amount not exceeding 20% of that horse's nonmaiden nonsupplemented first-place purse used in the calculation and 40% of that horse's maiden nonsupplemented first-place purse used in the calculation.

C. Restricted races. The racing secretary at each unlimited race meeting licensed by the commission shall include on the condition sheet at least one race each day restricted to Virginia-bred Standardbred horses and the race shall be run if six separate betting interests are entered. If there is not a sufficient number of registered Virginia-bred horses entered to fill the race, then the racing secretary may substitute another race.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR662-04-04 § 4.1, eff. January 27, 1993; amended, Volume 14, Issue 07, eff. January 22, 1998; Volume 17, Issue 04, eff. October 16, 2000; Volume 19, Issue 03, eff. September 27, 2002.

Statutory Authority

§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.