The Kentucky Standardbred Breeders' Incentive Fund (KSBIF) was implemented in 2005 to ensure the strength and growth of the horse industry in Kentucky. The fund receives 13 percent of the 6 percent sales tax paid when breeding a stallion to a mare in the Commonwealth. The Kentucky Standardbred Development Fund (KSDF) is funded, in part, by a pari-mutuel tax paid by racetracks in Kentucky. The KSBIF and the KSDF, along with any other money contributed, appropriated or allocated from all other sources, fund the Kentucky Sire Stakes. The Kentucky Sire Stakes is administered by the KHRC. The Kentucky Sire Stakes is a culmination of a month-long series of preliminary races, with the biggest money earners getting a chance to compete in one of the richest finals in North America.
- Yearling Nominations Due: May 15
- Two (2) Year Old Nominations Due: March 15*, April 15 and May 15
- Three (3) Year Old Nominations Due: Feb. 15, March 15 and April 15
- Stallion and Mare certificates of Eligibility due by Dec 31 of cover year
*March 15 payment is mandatory to make entry eligible as a three (3) year old
KYSS Stallion Bonus Program
Beginning with the 2021 breeding season, KYSS will offer a Stallion Bonus program. Any horse that resulted from a stallion standing in Kentucky and a mare residing in Kentucky for 180 days, as well as nominated to the program, is eligible to receive a 50% bonus if finishing 1st-5th in all legs and the finals of the Championship and Commonwealth Series Programs. Please refer to the link below titled 2023 Nominations for a list of 2023 nominated stallions .
*Stallions may be nominated at any point throughout the year provided they will stand in KY for 180 calendar days of the breeding year per 810 KAR 7:040.
