The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association is proud to announce that the OHHA’s Board of Directors has approved an Ohio Breeder’s Award program.

The program will be funded through a portion of the video lottery terminal net revenue share and will pay breeder’s awards to the breeder listed on the registration of Ohio Standardbred horses that were born in 2013 and thereafter, sired by an Ohio Standardbred stallion registered with the Ohio State Racing Commission for the applicable breeding season.

Foals born in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 are eligible for breeder’s awards without their dams being registered. Beginning in 2016, the dam must be registered with the OHHA Breeder’s Awards program by Dec. 31 of the year of breeding. For mares bred in 2016 with foals of 2017 and thereafter, the horse must also be born in the state of Ohio and the dam must reside in the state of Ohio during the year of foaling for a continuous period that is not less than 187 days.

Kevin Greenfield, OHHA President, shared his excitement for the new program.

“On behalf of the OHHA, I am pleased to announce that for the first time in its history, horsemen and horsewomen will have the opportunity to participate in a state-wide Breeder’s Awards program in Ohio beginning this year. This is the result of efforts of many dedicated people who have come together to make this a reality. We are excited what this program will do for the Ohio Standardbred breeding industry.”

OHHA Executive Director Renée Mancino added, “The breeder’s awards are a nice complement to attract participants to the Ohio program. With 85 percent of the net revenue share going to overnight purses, Sire Stakes purses, Fair Stakes purses, and other purse-based incentive programs at the four pari-mutuel racetracks and 65 racing fairs, the addition of breeder’s awards makes it even more desirable to breed in Ohio, buy in Ohio, and win in Ohio. Stay tuned for an announcement soon on additional programs in the works, including an anticipated mid-level Ohio stakes program.”

Registration forms for mares and complete program details will be provided by request and will be available for download from the Ohio HHA website soon.

(with files from the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)