from the Standardbred Retirement Foundation

Hamilton, NJ — Attractive bonuses have been added to the newly combined Niatross and Standardbred Retirement Foundation’s race for 2-year-olds.

While every 2-year-old is eligible to the race, horses nominated that are sired by a stallion for which just one breeding was donated to SRF in 2011 will enjoy the new bonuses. These entries being referred to as SRF-horse entries, pay only a $500 nomination fee, while all others will pay $750. There is a $5,000 bonus for the SRF-horse that finishes with the best time.

“It is simple,” explained a thankful Paula Campbell, SRF’s President. “A breeding to Glidemaster has been donated by Marsha Cohen and Dr. Fox this year. What this does is make all his 2-year-olds in 2011 eligible for the advantages it offers. It doesn’t change who is eligible to the race, it only changes which ones are eligible for the perks.”

The Meadowlands offered the SRF races 18 years ago to help raise funds for SRF by encouraging the giving of breeding donations which the Foundation then sells. Race Secretary Peter Koch added the new twist to help the SRF and sweeten the two races.

With more than 2,300 adoptions since, and 175 waiting for homes presently under the full care of SRF, this fundraiser is an important one for the award winning organization. A few old warriors whose money making days were at the Big M include Shiaway St Pat, the 1981 Hambletonian winner that SRF found a home for with the veterinarian that foaled him; Malcontent, the well know gelding from the 1980s with earnings of $353,319; and more recently G TS Graig, who just hung up his harness due to age with $718,585 on his card.

With a rigorous follow-up program, Malcontent is safely back under SRF’s care when his adopter lost interest in horses and Mal being 22 years old is now likely to remain with SRF until he passes on.

SRF expects the progeny of about 65 stallions to be eligible for the bonuses. Breeding donations must be received by March 1. Nominations are due March 15. Contact your staking service, or the Meadowlands, for nomination information. For breeding donations and sales contact Dana Letual at 609.324.1500.