Since 1929, the Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA) has been the leading horse industry advocate within the state of Maryland.
The main purposes of the MHBA have always been to encourage, promote, protect and improve the horse breeding industry in Maryland.
The Maryland Bred Fund
Maryland was the first state to develop a legislated incentive program to encourage the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing. The Maryland Bred Fund was created by the General Assembly in 1962.
In order to earn breeder or owner awards, the horse must be registered as a Maryland-bred with the MHBA. In order to earn a stallion award, the horse must be registered as a Maryland-bred, and the sire must be registered with the MHBA, in addition to having been standing in Maryland at the time the horse was conceived.
For information on eligibility and registration, please visit marylandthoroughbred.com/registration, or call our registrar at, 410-252-2100, ext. 129 or registrar@marylandthoroughbred.com.
Under the direction of the Maryland Racing Commission, the actual implementation of the Maryland Bred Fund, including maintaining the Maryland-bred registry and computing and distributing all breeder and stallion bonus awards, is performed by the MHBA.
The Maryland Million
The Maryland Million is a program restricted to the progeny of nominated stallions standing in the state. It includes a one-day stakes program offering purses totaling $1 million. Read more at http://marylandmillion.com.
Yes, for registered Maryland-breds. The stakes program is planned on a meet-by-meet basis and is based on projected revenues for the coming year. In 2021, restricted stakes and premiums amounted to $1,034,000.
Owner Bonuses are 15% share of purse on all open overnight races for Maryland-bred horses finishing 1st, 2nd or 3rd, paid as part of the purse. Developer’s Bonuses are 15% share of purse on all open overnight races for Maryland-bred horses finishing 1st, 2nd or 3rd. The Developer is the owner of the horse in its first career start.
For Maryland-breds born prior to 2023, 22.5% Breeder Bonus on earned purses for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd on all overnight and stakes races. 7.5% ADDITIONAL for Maryland-sired Maryland-bred maiden winners on earned purses. For Maryland-bred foals of 2023, Tiered Breeder Bonus System (foals conceived in 2022; 2-year-olds of 2025): 35% Breeder bonus for Maryland-sired Maryland-breds on earned purses for 1st, 2nd, 3rd on all overnight races. 25% Breeder Bonus for out-of-state-sired Maryland-breds on earned purses for 1st, 2nd, 3rd on all overnight races.
Stakes Capped at $100,000. Maryland Million Day calculated separately.
2025 Breeder Bonus percentages estimated. For Maryland-breds born in 2023, bonus money on earned purses will be 40% more for Maryland-sireds than out-of-state-sireds. Stallions must be registered with MBRF.
Stakes Capped at $100,000.
7.5% Stallion Bonus on earned purses for 1st, 2nd, 3rd on all overnight and stakes races.
Stakes Capped at $100,000. Maryland Million Day calculated separately.
No
A horse by an out-of-state sire may be registered with the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, Inc., only if the horse was foaled in Maryland as shown by a foal certificate from the Jockey Club, and, after foaling, the mare was covered by a Maryland stallion during the season of that foal’s birth. To check eligibility and see all requirements for Maryland-bred registration, click here: marylandthoroughbred.com/registration.
Or call our Registrar at (410) 252-2100 Ext. 129, or email registrar@marylandthoroughbred.com
In 2021:
Breeder Awards: $4,546,433 (this figure includes Maryland Million Day Breeder Bonuses of $94,913)
Owner Awards: $2,713,485 (paid by purse account, with purses)
Developer: $961,618
Stallion: $868,405 (this figure includes Maryland Million Day Stallion Bonuses of $29,613)
Purses: See above sections for Restricted Stakes Race Purses and MM Day Purses
Breeder and Stallion bonuses are paid as soon as practical, usually 45-60 days after the end of the month your eligible horse wins but dependent upon all race days in the month being cleared by the Stewards. Owner bonuses are paid with purses.
Foal Registration by May 31 of Yearling Year: $100 (Members $200 annual dues), $300 (Non-Members)
Foal Registration after May 31 Yearling Year: $275 (Members), $475 (Non-Members)
Annual Stallion Registration: $250
For more information on MHBA membership: marylandthoroughbred.com/membership
For more information on registration: marylandthoroughbred.com/registration
