The Maryland Racing Commission March 7 approved an increase in the purse structures for the Maryland Sire Stakes and Maryland Standardbred Race Fund stakes in 2023.

The recommendation came from the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund Advisory Committee, which met March 6. The higher purses were discussed at a January meeting during which all stakeholders in the harness industry discussed various ways to improve the two stakes programs and maximize participation in the future.

Purses for the two programs combined will total just under $2.5 million this year. The two sets of sire stakes finals for 2- and 3-year-old pacers and trotters split between Rosecroft Raceway and Ocean Downs Casino will increase to $85,000 from $75,000, while preliminary events will remain at $10,000. Purses for the two sets of sire stakes for 4- and 5-year-old pacers and trotters will be $25,000 for a total of $100,000.

The MSRF stakes, which are for horses foaled in Maryland, will again consist of eight races, one for each age, sex and gait (2- and 3-year-olds). Total purses will jump 77 percent from about $225,000 in 2022 to about $400,000 this year.

Cheri Stambaugh, administrator of the MSRF, said the 2023 sire stakes purses are the highest ever in Maryland. She noted that MRC member Tammy Lafferty, a Standardbred owner and breeder, encouraged participation in the January meeting that led to the most recent changes.

“Every part of the industry came together to recommend changes to our program,” Stambaugh said.

“My heartfelt thanks to everyone who came together,” said Lafferty, who noted a similar effort in 2017 failed to produce results. “I’ve got to say I was skeptical but (the March 6) meeting went great and I think we will continue to work together to get things done.”

The sire stakes program begins April 27 at Rosecroft and ends with four finals for 2-year-olds Oct. 12. The complete schedule is available at the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund website.

In other harness racing business, Ocean Downs general manager Bobbi Sample said the track has a fully executed five-year contract with the Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners’ Association through 2028. Mike Rogers, acting president for the Maryland Jockey Club, said the organization has extended its contract with the CSOA for Rosecroft Raceway through 2024.