The month of March roars to a conclusion at Freehold Raceway with the second purse enhancement in six weeks, bringing the total increase to 60 per cent, it was announced today by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey and Freehold Raceway

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Effective with the March 31, 2010 program, the Freehold purses will reflect a 30 per cent increase since the first adjustment in purses on February 19, 2010, for a total increase this year of 60 per cent.

For example, a $10,000 claimer, once racing for a $3,800 purse which grew to $4,900 on February 19 will now increase to $6,000.

"We are very pleased to announce another purse increase for the Freehold horsemen,” said Freehold Director of Racing Karen Fagliarone. “With this added money, we are hopeful that our racing fans around the country will appreciate the better quality of racing that this purse increase will create.”

Funding for the pair of purse increases came from a $4.8 million allocation from the Purse Enhancement Agreement (PEA). The majority of these dollars will be dispersed in 2010.

“It is gratifying that our negotiations on behalf of our Freehold-based horsemen yielded these comprehensive purse increases,” said SBOANJ President Tom Luchento. “The New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, which is administering the PEA bankroll, was gracious enough to listen to our request and dedicate these funds for Freehold.”

A breakdown of the new and old purse structure appears below.

(SBOANJ/Freehold Raceway)