A total of 90 horses have been entered in eight races for the 25th Claiming Crown, led by trainers Mike Maker and Robertino Diodoro with seven entries each, and the races are restricted to horses 3 years old and up, with some races having specific claiming requirements and all taking place at the New Orleans’ Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
‣ 90 horses spread over eight races were entered for the 25th Claiming Crown at New Orleans’ Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
‣ Trainer Mike Maker and Robertino Diodoro lead with seven entries each
‣ The Claiming Crown was created in 1999 by the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (NHBPA) and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) to be a Breeders’ Cup-style event for claiming horses
The much-anticipated 25th Claiming Crown is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable with a total of 90 horses entered for the event. After a decade-long hiatus, the races will finally take place at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans. Leading the pack, trainer Mike Maker and Robertino Diodoro each boast seven entries, with some impressive contenders in their stables. Maker’s four-horse lineup for the 12-horse $150,000 Claiming Crown Emerald includes the talented Therapist, while Diodoro’s trio features Frosted Grace, winner of the GIII Steve Sexton Mile.
Originally conceived in 1999 to provide claiming horses with a Breeders’ Cup-style event, the Claiming Crown has grown into an exciting platform for these athletes. The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (NHBPA) and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) were the masterminds behind this innovative concept, which has thrived over the years. Trainer Mike Maker also shared his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “My owners like the Claiming Crown. When we see a horse we think about claiming and they’re eligible, that’s a factor for sure. The Claiming Crown is great.”
The upcoming Claiming Crown races are exclusively for horses aged 3 and above, with some races restricted to fillies and mares. The standout fixture, the Jewel, features horses that have started for a claiming price of $35,000 or less in 2022-23. With other races on turf offering substantial prize money and catering to various claiming requirements, the event promises to be a thrilling and entertaining affair for all involved. Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National HBPA, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response to the event this year, adding, “The Kentucky horsemen really hit the entry box. There’s good representation from all over the Midwest, Louisiana, the Mid-Atlantic and Florida.”
The 25th Claiming Crown in New Orleans marks a significant milestone for the event and the industry as a whole. The return of this beloved event is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of the organizations behind it and the unwavering support of the horsemen involved. The races are not just about spirited competition, but also about celebration and camaraderie in the heart of the vibrant city of New Orleans. With a wide geographic representation of horsemen, the event is a fitting tribute to the resilience and enduring spirit of the horse racing community.
