GULFSTREAM PARK ANNOUNCES 34 Stakes Including $1.525 Million FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes featuring $400,000 In Reality and $400,000 My Dear Girl divisions $200,000 in Bonuses Added to Open Stakes for Florida-breds $250,000 in Bonuses Added to Stakes for Florida Sire Stakes Horses
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THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL / MAY 2021
Gulfstream Park announced a $3.5 million Spring/Summer stakes schedule highlighted by the $350,000 Princess Rooney Invitational (Grade 2) and $200,000 Smile Sprint Invitational (G3) to be run July 3, and the lucrative $1.525 million FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series. The schedule includes 34 stakes with $700,000 in incentives for Florida-bred and Florida Sire Stakes-eligible horses courtesy of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. The Princess Rooney, a ‘Win & In’ for Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1), and Smile, which make-up the Summit of Speed, were moved to September last year after being run in July since its inception 20 years ago at Calder Race Course. The Princess Rooney was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Both races will be invitationals this year for the first time. “This year we focused on bringing back the popular Summit of Speed on July 4 weekend,” Gulfstream Park vice president of racing Mike Lakow said. “The Princess Rooney fits perfectly on the national calendar within the female sprint category. We’ve increased the purse to $350,000 and have made the race an invitational along with The Smile. The Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint on Sunday, July 4 completes the Independence Day weekend.” The Florida Sire Stakes will begin on July 31 and culminate Sept. 25 with the $400,000 In Reality, $400,000 My Dear Girl and the $125,000 Wildcat By Brock Sheridan
Ryan Thompson Photo
