Claiming Crown

The Claiming Crown is a partnership between the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. The Claiming Crown was envisioned to be the claiming horse owner’s Breeders’ Cup; a special racing event, created for the sometime-forgotten “average owner,” and featuring some of the most competitive horses in the country. Every horse owner, regardless of the level at which their stable competes, has an equal chance to participate, as the Claiming Crown is open to all claiming horses irrespective of where they were foaled or race.

The Claiming Crown, which consists of nine races worth $1.1 million in purses, has been held annually since 1999 and has become the highlight on the racing calendar for horses which have started for claiming tags between $7,500 and $35,000.