The NYRA Circuit

  • NYRA (New York Racing Association) is the premier racing circuit in the United States; featuring racing at Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park, and Aqueduct Racetrack. It’s widely considered one of the strongest circuits in North America for purse strength, competition, and owner experience.

  • NYRA purses are funded through a combination of pari-mutuel wagering revenue, casino/VLT revenue connected to Aqueduct, and New York-bred incentive programs that increase purses and owner earnings for eligible runners.

  • Saratoga’s summer meet is NYRA’s “crown jewel,” featuring the highest concentration of top-tier races and purse money. It includes major Grade 1 events (like the Travers and Whitney) and a deep stakes schedule that draws elite horses from across the country.

  • Example – $120,000 Allowance at Saratoga

    • 1st Place: $66,000

    • 2nd Place: $24,000

    • 3rd Place: $14,400

    • 4th Place: $7,200

    • 5th Place: $4,800

    A single Saratoga allowance win can cover a full month of training, veterinary, and care expenses — with profit remaining.

  • Belmont features marquee racing throughout the season, including the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. It’s a major stage for graded stakes, high-quality allowance racing, and strong purses—paired with a world-class owner experience.

  • New York-bred horses can access restricted NY-bred races, enhanced purses, and incentive programs that can materially increase earnings and ROI—while still racing on the same elite NYRA stage.

  • Not always. While many races follow a standard payout schedule, certain races—especially stakes races—may have specific purse splits outlined in the race conditions.

  • NYRA offers a rare combination of premium purses, high visibility, and elite venues. For partnerships, it creates a strong value proposition: owners get access to world-class racing and experiences while competing for meaningful prize money.