Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted September 3, 2018 Journalists Share Posted September 3, 2018 Trainer Ed Barker earned $18,000 for winning the New York Racing Association’s first ‘Under 20’s Claiming Challenge.’ Launched in April, the contest was open to trainers with 20 or fewer horses. Those trainers were required to submit a list of horses who would be eligible to accrue points in the contest. Only claimed horses could be deleted or added to that list. Points were awarded on those horses’ performances at the Belmont meet in claiming races or when they ran in an optional claimer with a claiming tag. Barker’s roster of horses accumulated 41 points in claiming races at the Belmont meet. Robert Falcone, Jr. was second with 28 points and received a $15,000 bonus and Jim Ryerson was awarded $13,000 for finishing third with 27 points. “It was a great, innovative program, particularly for the smaller trainers at NYRA like myself who need help making ends meet,” Barker said. “I think the contest created a nice level of competition among the trainers for the prize money and it helped fill the entry box with some extra starters. It was a win-win for us and NYRA.” Martin Panza, NYRA’s senior vice president of racing operations, added, “For doing it the first time, we were pleased with the results. The contest was designed to help the small trainers and the trainers who run their horses frequently. It’s a difficult environment for them and this is a way to help keep them in business. It also rewards them and recognizes them for running their horses here with us. Ed Barker is a trainer who runs his horses and, if you’re an owner, you need trainers like that because you can’t make any money keeping your horses in the barn.” The contest will be offered again at the Aqueduct winter meet. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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