Delaware Certified Thoroughbred Program

Mission Statement

Delaware Certified Thoroughbred Program 
We are keeping Delaware green. Over 80 DCTP farms with 4,200 acres.$3,000,000 plus in DCTP awards earned since 2003.  The Delaware Bred or Certified Thoroughbred Program (DCTP) owners receive 25% of purse share for any 1st through 3rd place finishers in overnight races and stakes *(10,000 cap on stake race bonuses). DCTP earnings are paid to owners with purse money and are considered part of the horse’s official earnings. At the end of each month, DCTP certifiers receive their cumulative bonuses of 25% of any first through third place earning.
The Delaware Certified Thoroughbred Program contributes to the long-term economic prosperity of Delaware agriculture and encourages the preservation of Delaware farmland by rewarding horsemen who board horses at Delaware farms or training centers for at least 90 days prior to March 31st of their two-year-old year, and subsequently race them at Delaware Park. All Delaware-bred thoroughbreds are automatically included.

The one-time DCTP registration fee of $100 for weanlings and $200 for yearlings will entitle your horse to:

  • Preference when entered at Delaware Park (providing they meet condition eligibility).
  • 25% purse bonus for certifier for all first, second and third finishes up to $10,000 per horse per race.
  • 25% purse bonus for horse owner for all first, second and third finishes up to $10,000 per horse per race.
  • Enhanced value by making prospective owners and trainers aware by:
  • Distinct identification in Delaware Park’s racing programs.
  • Delaware Certified designation in most sales catalog.
  • Distinctive Delaware Certified saddle towels with the DC logo.
  • Eligible for four (4) DCTP restricted races with free nominations:
    • $100,000 Small Wonder, two-year-old, five and one half furlongs.
    • $100,000 The First State Dash, two-year-old, five and one half furlongs.
    • $100,000 The Tax Free Shopping Distaff , 3 & up fillies & mares, six furlongs.
    • $100,000 The New Castle, 3 & up, six furlongs.

Funding and Administering the Program

The Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association contributes $500,000 per year to the Delaware Certified Thoroughbred Program from the horsemen’s purse fund with matching funds from the State of Delaware ($250,000) and Delaware Park ($250,000).

The fund is administered by the DTHA. Bonuses are paid directly to the owner via their horsemen’s bookkeeper account. The certifier is paid monthly.

For more information contact:
Vince Moscarelli
DCTP administrator
777 Delaware Park Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19804
(302) 993-8986
(302)994-3392 (Fax)