DNA Sampling Drives Increase in Jockey Club Registration Fees

[Wandering Eyes]

The cost of registering a foal with The Jockey Club will rise from $265 to $325 in 2026, while filing a report of mares bred will go from $40 to $50, according to a new fee structure posted on the Registry page.

The Jockey Club's Jim Gagliano said that the fees were largely driven by an increase in the price of DNA sampling, along with overall inflation costs. He added that the organization would be spending significantly more money on aftercare this year, above and beyond these increases.

“Some registration fees were adjusted this year, resulting in an average increase of 11%,” said Gagliano in a written response to the TDN. “These increases were prompted in part by significantly increased costs for DNA sampling of 57% from the public university that supplies this service to The Jockey Club. Overall, registration fee increases are moderately ahead of the inflation rate of 38.2% since 2013.

“Proceeds from the registry as well as our commercial companies totaling $7 million will be used to fund numerous initiatives in 2026, including aftercare, marketing, advocacy, research, and workforce development,” Gagliano continued. “Specifically, The Jockey Club's support for aftercare initiatives will increase 46%.”

Notably, said Gagliano, “The Jockey Club is planning a significant expansion of aftercare by increasing support for the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP), enhancing and expanding the 2026 TIP. Championship Horse Show and introducing a series of Thoroughbred-only horse shows in 2027 through the Thoroughbred Incentive Program.”

We publish details about The Jockey Club's industry support in our annual Industry Impact Report which is available to the public. The 2026 report will be published soon.

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