As of this morning, seven new Thoroughbred mares are coming to Ontario thanks, in part, to the Thoroughbred Improvement Program's (TIP) Mare Purchase Program (MPP).
This year, the program budget was increased to $750,000 from $400,000 last year. The good news is there is still $595,500 left as the Keeneland November Breeding Stock continues in Lexington, KY through Nov. 11.
The MPP gives eligible applicants up to 50 percent of the purchase price of in-foal mares to a maximum of $25,000 per mare. The mare has to be purchased for a minimum of $10,000 USD and must be bought at a recognized public auction outside of Ontario, with progeny of 2027 to foal in Ontario. RNAs are not eligible.
Purchasers must be Ontario residents, provide proof of residency, and have a valid license with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). There is a maximum of $75,000 for any one individual, partnership, corporation or other ownership group. In terms of the program, U.S. and Canadian money is considered to be at par.
There is also a bonus of $2,500 for every mare that is bred back to a registered Ontario Sire in the 2027 breeding season upon the declaration of a live foal with The Jockey Club.
The mares purchased prior to Friday's Keeneland session with help from MPP funds are:
Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale
Hip #402 Dreams With You (GB) (Oasis Dream (GB)-Without You Babe), in foal to Forte, purchased by Tall Oaks Farm for $60,000—with $25,000 back from the MPP.
Hip #704 Way To Go (Nyquist-Smiling Causeway), in foal to Army Mule, purchased by Josham Farms Ltd. for $300,000—with $25,000 back from the MPP.
Hip #878 Hibiscus (Constitution-Fiji Moon), in foal to Munnings, purchased by Glenn Sikura for $150,000—with $25,000 back from the MPP.
Hip #1003 Ragtime Rose (Union Rags-Cordosa), in foal to Good Magic, purchased by Glenn Sikura for $125,000—with $25,000 back from the MPP.
Fasig-Tipton October Digital Sale
Hip #254 Brand Loyalty (Grazen-Hard To Resist), in foal to Army Mule, purchased by Track West Racing Inc. for $60,000—with $25,000 back from the MPP.
Fasig-Tipton June Digital Sale
Hip #145 Rich Gift (Uncle Mo-All Flags Flying), in foal to Turbo S, purchased by Gil Leduc for $25,000—with $12,500 back from the MPP.
Hip #220 Candy Craze (Blame-Favorite Candy), in foal to King For A Day, purchased by Gil Leduc for $34,000—with $17,000 back from the MPP.
For more information about TIP's Mare Purchase Program, please contact the TIP coordinator at tbprogram@ontarioracing.com or call (647) 385-8127.
