Derby purse raised to $3,000,000

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by jms62

I guess I am Debbie Downer but that million bucks isnt going to draw anymore horses into the field... If it was me and burning a whole in my pocket I’d use it on the Graded Stakes on the undercards of those days to try and get Breeders Cup quality fields.

The Derby purse has been ridiculously low considering that the first $1,000,000 is generated from the 20 entrants x the $50,000 it costs to pass the entry box. Last year I heard from KY-based stakeholders who feel that based on the revenue generated, the purse should be $5,000,000.

They did enhance purses throughout the stakes program with this round of increases..

From Marty McGee's piece: Meanwhile, Churchill also announced substantial purse increases for the two other major races on Derby weekend – the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks now will be worth $1.25 million, and the Grade 1 Old Forester Turf Classic has been doubled to $1 million. The Oaks had been $1 million since 2011 and was worth $500,000 from 1996 to 2010.

Also, the Grade 1 Humana Distaff on Derby Day has been increased from $300,000 to $500,000. Four more races underwent $100,000 increases, including three on Derby Day and the Grade 2 Stephen Foster on June 15, while seven more got $50,000 raises.