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Horse Breeders Bet on Pennsylvania

PENNSYLVANIA – As reported by the Morning Call: "…Thoroughbred breeders from throughout the East Coast are coming to Pennsylvania this year to foal their mares, betting hundreds of thousands of dollars that in two years their colts and fillies will be first down the stretch to collect some of the $100 million in slots-inflated purses at state thoroughbred tracks, nearly triple the amount that will be offered this year.

"By foaling their mares here, they'll be eligible for millions in bonuses the state gives to owners and breeders of Pennsylvania-breds.

"…Set on 156 acres of rolling green hills in Cochranville, Rick and Dixie Abbotts' land is in the middle of horse farm country 50 miles west of Philadelphia. The Abbotts have been raising and foaling horses there for 25 years, but have never seen a year like this.

"By the time this season ends in June, the Abbotts will have foaled 60 colts and fillies, more than double the number they did last year and nearly six times where they were three years ago.

"…The 30 percent bonuses for breeders and owners of Pennsylvania-breds makes foaling mares here attractive to both breeders and prospective buyers of the offspring.

"In fact, horses from Maryland, Kentucky, North Carolina, Delaware, Florida and Rhode Island make up half of this year's foal crop at Charlton, said Abbott, a member of the state's three-person Horse Racing Commission.

"…Because owners will not be required to register their newborns until next year, no one will know exactly how many foals were born this season. But all indications are that the number will be a record…"

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