From the National HBPA:

Horsemen’s reminder

Saturday (Oct.25) deadline to request Claiming Crown eligibility
Click here for form to request eligibility

Don’t miss out! Last day is this Saturday (October 25) to request eligibility for a horse to compete in the Nov. 15 Claiming Crown at Churchill Downs. The cost is $250 per horse per race.

Eight races totaling $1.1 million in purses for all levels of horses on both dirt and turf. The minimum purse is $100,000 with the Claiming Crown Jewel offering a $200,000 purse.

Stakes-size purses with starter-allowance conditions for eligible horses. Check your shedrow and see who fits these eight race conditions and view the summary of conditions.

Eligibility is determined at the time of the request, with the owner of record or their authorized agent identifying a specific horse and the intended Claiming Crown race(s). Must be received or postmarked on or before midnight ET October 25, 2025, accompanied by the fee of $250 for each Claiming Crown race requesting eligibility. Eligibility requests may be made by mail, email, fax or phone and sent to Churchill Downs.

Late eligibility requests may be made up to the time of entry for $1,250.

Fab afternoon in Club SI for horsemen in Claiming Crown races

This isn’t only a great opportunity for your horses that fit the conditions, but owners with horses running in the Claiming Crown will be treated to a fabulous experience in Churchill Downs’ Club SI by Sports Illustrated, which features an immersive view of the paddock and paddock runway with outdoor viewing on the rail. The connections of each Claiming Crown horse will receive four complimentary tickets, with more available for purchase.

Claiming Crown 2025 is presented by the National HBPA and Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association in conjunction with Churchill Downs and the Kentucky HBPA.

Here’s eligibility request form

Get in the mood:

ICYMI: Alicia Hughes’ story about the Claiming Crown in Blood-Horse Magazine

This could be you in 2025! What’s great about the Claiming Crown? Video from last year says it all
About the National HBPA
The National HBPA is a not-for-profit association founded in 1940 and is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. It is the world’s largest Thoroughbred horsemen’s organization, representing approximately 30,000 horse owners and trainers throughout the United States and Canada through its 29 affiliates. The responsibilities of the National HBPA have greatly expanded as the racing industry has become more complex. In addition to its original benevolent mission, the National HBPA is the leading force for horsemen on the national stage, advocating for the advancement of the sport through safety and integrity initiatives, promoting racing, and assisting in the development of aftercare programs for retired horses.