As we step into Season 19, we’ve taken your feedback to heart and have been tirelessly running analytics and models to ensure more of your prized steeds hit the track.
While the job is never done, we believe the updates, improvements, and changes we’ve made heading into next season should go a long way in remedying some of the pain points our players have recently encountered.
With more opportunities than ever to chase profit and purses, here are some key changes you can expect to encounter in the upcoming season.
Juvenile Grade Restricted Championships
The Grade Restricted Championships have been a fan favorite, and we’re excited to expand this format to the Juvenile circuit.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Championship Schedule: Starting in Weeks 3-4, every grade-restricted race for juveniles will serve as a qualifier for the Juvenile Championships. The championships will take place on the final Sunday of the season, with races running every 15 minutes from noon to midnight EST. Keep an eye out for streamer announcements to catch all the action!
- Prize Pools: While the prize pools aren’t as hefty as the 3+ series, they’re still substantial, offering a great incentive to test your young horses in these races early on.
End of an Era
In with the new, out with the old – with the conclusion of Season 18, the Rising Stars series will be retired, providing more resources for his new Juvenile event and future activations, including some you’ll learn more about below.
Making G1/2/3 Races Great Again
We’ve heard your feedback about the need to refocus on G1/2/3 races, and we’re bringing back the glory with some fundamental changes.
Here’s what you need to know:
- G2/3 Races: These races will now offer increased crown rewards, making them nearly equivalent in value at just four entrants. They’ll also serve as crucial stepping stones to the prestigious G1 races.
- G1 Races: As the pinnacle of racing, G1 races will no longer require entry fees, and the $CROWN rewards have been significantly boosted:
- 3+ Races: At least $1,000 crown minimum (at season start).
- Juveniles: At least $700 crown minimum. (at season start)
- There will be 24 new G1 events across the season, split evenly between juveniles and 3+ horses, ensuring every archetype gets its moment in the spotlight starting week 2.
- Users will have to run in G2 / G3 races to be eligible for these G1’s
Restructuring Claimers
We’ve heard your feedback, and we’re taking action by realigning our strategy for claiming races to better reflect market dynamics.
Here is what you need to know:
Market Alignment: The buy-in logic for claimers has been adjusted to better match current market values, aiming to revitalize the “ladder” effect, where horses can move up or down in class.
- Grade Restricted Claimers: By aligning claim prices with market realities, we hope to increase the demand for these races, offering a competitive environment for horses not yet ready for top-tier competition.
S19 Profit Boosts on Select Races
Racing is about to become even more rewarding with some new adjustments.
Here is what you need to know:
- Higher Podium Rewards: Select races will receive larger-than-normal purse allocations, and small crown rewards will be removed from these events.
- Handicap and Claiming Races: If you place in these races, you will receive a profit boost allocation, enhancing the overall value.
- Senior Races: Our 6-8 year old races will also benefit from these changes, encouraging more participation in these unique events.
Season 19: Richie’s Deep Dive
Stay tuned for additional thoughts on the new and improved Season 19 schedule and analytics and data that went into the changes in the seasonal catch-up with Product Director Richie Choi.
As always, we thank our community for providing vital feedback that helps shape our game.
