The Claiming Crown, inaugurated in 1999, is a series of eight races run under starter allowance conditions with purses ranging from $100,000 to $175,000.
The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (National HBPA) and Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) together launched this event in cooperation with the Minnesota HBPA and Canterbury Park.
Any claiming horse owner can participate subject to stipulated conditions.
[1] To honor these horses, which the industry calls the "backbone of racing", Gulfstream raised the total purses to $850,000.
[2] During its run at Gulfstream, the names of two races were changed to honor the late Tom Metzen and Kent Stirling, who both made significant contributions to ensure the success of the Claiming Crown.