Wallkill, NY — New York’s breeding program made a leap forward on Friday (Sept. 29) when Gov. Kathy Hochul signed bill A3528, which allows interstate shipped semen, into law.

Previously, only foals resulting from mares bred within the state were eligible for nomination to the New York Sire Stakes program. The modification to the racing law will allow foals by New York resident stallions, out of mares bred outside the state, to be eligible for nomination to New York events. This brings New York’s breeding program in line with all other major racing programs in the U.S. and Canada.

The bill also provides for special bonuses for eligible foals resulting from mares bred within the state’s boundaries as defined by the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund to promote and reward mare residency in New York.