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Breeders’ Fund Changes

 

Starting in 2025, the Breeders’ Fund eliminations and finals for three year olds will be run during the spring meet. Payments will be changed to a $300 nomination payment due March 15th and a $300 starting fee due at the time of the first elimination.

Aged races will be run during the spring meet with nomination forms due March 15th.

 

Two year old eliminations, finals and payment schedule will remain unchanged.

BREEDERS' FUND ELIGIBLE HORSES

Horses eligible for the Breeders' Fund races after the March 15, 2026 payments can be found by clicking here.

Horses eligible for the Breeders' Fund races after the May 15, 2026 payments can be found by clicking here.
 

Early Closer Rules for 2026 Virginia Breeders' Fund

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All the information about entry fees, eligibility, fees, purses and general conditions for the 2026 Virginia Breeders' Fund races can be found here. 

 

There are several ways to be eligible for this program.

  1. Foal in Virginia and the mare and foal remain in Virginia for six consecutive months in the year of foaling. A Mare Declaration form must be submitted to the VHHA before the mare is moved to Virginia to foal. The VHHA must be notified when the foal is born for the six month time frame to start.

  2. Breed to a stallion registered to stand in Virginia. If you breed to a Virginia stallion, the foal can be foaled anywhere. There are no residency requirements. Breeding to a Virginia stallion also makes the foal eligible to the Sired Stakes program no matter where it is foaled. Registration and payments are as outlined below.

  3. If a mare is 100% owned by a Virginia resident when bred the foal is eligible no matter where it is foaled. There are no residency requirements.

  4. If a pregnant mare is bought at public auction 100% by a Virginia resident, that foal is eligible no matter where it is foaled. There are no residency requirements. Copies of the auction receipts must be submitted to the VHHA.

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​A horse that tests positive for a prohibited substance in any leg of a series event (including early closer, late closer, Breeders Fund, and Sired Stakes) shall be ineligible to participate in any additional legs or final or consolation race of such series until the appeal regarding the positive test is resolved. If the appeal is resolved prior to the declaration for any leg or final or consolation race and the positive test is adjudicated false, then the horse shall be eligible to participate in such additional leg or final or consolation race of the series. 

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2026 Breeders Fund Dates

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There will be two legs of elimination races for the Breeders' Fund races. These will be held at Shenandoah Downs on the following dates. All dates are subject to VRC approval

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Breeder Fund Dates

Three year old trot eliminations- May 9 & May 16, 2026

Three year old pace eliminations- May 10 & May 17, 2026

Three year old trot finals- May 23, 2026

Three year old pace finals- May 23, 2026

Aged trotters races- May 2, 2026

Aged pacers races- May 2, 2026

 

Two year old trot eliminations- Oct 17 & Oct 24, 2026

Two year old pace eliminations- Oct 18 & Oct 25, 2026

Two year old trot finals- Oct 31, 2026

Two year old pace finals- Oct 31, 2026

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Virginia Incentive Programs
 

There are several incentive programs in Virginia for foals to participate in. A brief description of each program can be found here. Rules and forms for each program can be found on the individual tabs on the website.

It is the horse owner's responsibility to submit all required paperwork and payments by the due dates.

Mares that are not 100% Virginia owned at time of breeding that are foaling in Virginia to be eligible to the Virginia Breeders Fund must complete and submit the Mare Declaration Form.

Several farms have indicated that they have space available for horses participating in the program. The complete list can be found by clicking here. Information will be added to this list as we receive it from the facilities. Horses do not have to be kept at one of these farms to be eligible. You may keep your horse anywhere in Virginia.

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