PTHA Announces Per Start Bonus Initiative Program

The Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (PTHA) is pleased to announce the PTHA Per Start Bonus Initiative Program, a new incentive designed to encourage more participation in overnight races at Parx Racing during the late summer racing schedule, along with supporting the membership who supports the racing program throughout the calendar year. The Initiative Program will start on Monday, August 17, 2026 and run through Friday, September 18, 2026, providing per start bonus payments to both owners and trainers for overnight races. The Owner Bonus will be $750 per eligible start, paid to the owner entity. The Trainer Bonus will be $250 per eligible start, paid to the individual trainer. This program will include all overnight races at Parx Racing during the program period. Per Start Bonuses will be capped at $15,000 per owner entity and $5,000 per individual trainer. An individual horse may only be credited toward the bonus program with a maximum of two (2) starts during the duration of the initiative. After a horse has received credit for two eligible starts, additional starts by that horse will not qualify for bonus payments for either the owner or trainer. Eligible starts will be calculated throughout the duration of the program. Bonus payments will be issued separately to each qualifying owner entity and each qualifying trainer. Money will be distributed within two weeks following the conclusion of the program to each respective account with the Parx's Bookkeepers. "The PTHA remains committed to supporting our horsemen while strengthening overnight racing at Parx Racing. This incentive program is another example of our continued investment in our owners and trainers while encouraging participation during this important portion of the racing calendar," said Jeffrey A. Matty, Jr., Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. "This initiative is for all horsemen, not just horsemen stabled here at Parx." Owners and trainers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the PTHA Office at (215) 638-2012, or via email at Jmatty@patha.org.