The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission announced the distribution of more than $14.3 million through the Thoroughbred Breeders' Incentive Fund, rewarding breeders for the success of Kentucky-bred horses on racing tracks worldwide.

According to the announcement, the fund supported 1,443 Kentucky breeders whose horses won in competitions across the globe. More than 4,100 races qualified for awards through horses bred and foaled in Kentucky, with victories recorded in the United States and Group wins in Canada, England, France and Ireland.

Established in 2005, the Thoroughbred Breeders' Incentive Fund aims to encourage breeding operations to keep mares in Kentucky throughout gestation and foaling. To qualify for awards, a mare must be nominated for the program and remain in the Commonwealth from the time of breeding until the birth of the foal. Final award amounts are contingent on the foal's eventual earnings at the racetrack, with participants submitting applications to the KHRC to claim their awards.

The fund is financed through 80 percent of the sales tax collected when a stallion is bred to a mare in Kentucky. Since its inception, the program has distributed nearly $170 million to breeders for winning eligible races across the globe.

"The racing industry is paramount to a growing economy as it creates jobs and generates tourism dollars for the Commonwealth," said Gov. Andy Beshear in the announcement. "It's an honor to recognize Kentucky breeders for their contributions to the horse racing industry."

The incentive fund provides substantial rewards for different race categories. Winners at various levels qualify for payments ranging from $3,000 for allowance and maiden races up to $50,000 for Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks victories, with additional bonuses for graded stakes races and international Group races.