Parx Racing, PTHA unveil $20 million Parx Racing Fall Festival

Parx Racing, PTHA unveil $20 million Parx Racing Fall

Festival

Parx Racing and the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's

Association (PTHA) have announced the creation of an annual $20 million Parx

Racing Fall Festival that will commence on August 29 and

continue through October 20.

By doubling purse levels throughout the two-month festival, Parx and the PTHA

are hoping to attract top horse racing talent in the industry, increase the field size of the

races, enhance betting interest, and draw new fans to the racetrack.

Over the past four years, Parx Racing and the PTHA have worked to build a Fall Festival

around one of the track's signature racing days -- the $1 million Pennsylvania

Derby (G2) and Cotillion S. (G1). Last year's Penn Derby featured dual classic

winner and eventual Horse of the Year California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) along with

Bayern (Offlee Wild), who followed his 5 3/4-length victory in the race by

triumphing in the Breeders'

Cup Classic (G1).

In addition, last year's Cotillion was captured by next out Breeders' Cup Distaff

(G1) winner and ultimate champion three-year-old filly Untapable (Tapit).

The new initiative will

build on that past success by doubling purses for each of the 32 live race days

during the new Fall Festival.

"Parx is thrilled to work with the PTHA on this

revitalizing plan to enhance our overall live racing product for our owners and

trainers as well as racing fans," said Joe Wilson, COO Parx Racing. "This

significant agreement is a reflection of the ongoing commitment of Parx Racing

and the PTHA to offer the highest-caliber racing program for our devoted fans.

"We especially look forward to our new $20 million Parx Racing Fall Festival

and the great anticipation that will be generated each year leading up to it."

To help fund the increased purse levels during the Fall

Festival, Parx and the PTHA have agreed to reduce the annual number of live

racing days to 153. This reduction in live race days will consist of two

separate breaks in winter and summer that will include the Christmas holidays

through mid-February and three weeks in August beginning in 2016.

The track will

remain open for training year-round, including the days closed for live racing.

Also as part of the new agreement, Parx Racing will invest

an additional $4.4 million in racetrack infrastructure and property improvements

to enhance the overall racing experience for everyone associated with the live

racing events. Improvements will include installation of a new safety rail,

beautification of the track's paddock and winner's circle, and a variety of

enhancements to the backside including paving and planting of trees between

barns.

"The PTHA is excited by the changes to our live racing

schedule and the creation of a signature racing meet during the fall at Parx

that will attract some of the top national and regional horses and talent," said

Salvatore M. DeBunda, president of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's

Association. "Doubling purses will improve the competitiveness and caliber of

our racing product, make the races more exciting, and increase fan and bettor

interest."

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