Photo Finish LIVE begins Season 43 at 11am ET on Monday, with satellite races as the headline addition alongside changes to weather, open claimers, major purses, and jackpot races. Satellite races are low-cost events whose winner earns a ticket for free entry into one of the major qualifiers, giving stables of any size a route toward the biggest purses. The team frames Season 43 as a steadier follow-up to Season 42, anticipating a quieter run after last season’s adjustments.
What Changed
- Satellite races debut as low-cost events whose winner receives a ticket for free entry into a major qualifier. Multiple price points and conditions are planned, including some bonus events in 2-year-old graded races.
- Weather forecasts now show icons hinting at track conditions. Clear skies signal a 50% race is unlikely to turn sloppy or soft, while rain suggests it will not run fast or good.
- Open claimers move to 1k, 2k, 4k, and 8k Derby levels, with a daily option in either the lower or higher brackets.
- Mayhem Jackpot races become NW2 events for horses aged 3 and up all season, carrying age and grade weights.
- Major purses receive a higher share of race rake, and qualifying races now follow a fully built schedule showing distance and weather for each one.
Dates and Rollout
- Season 43 starts at 11am ET on Monday.
- The weather forecast change takes effect late in the day Sunday, the final day of Season 42.
- Satellite races may not be ready on day one but are described as very close.
- Major races stay 3-year-old only in Season 43, then shift to horses aged 3 and up in Season 44.
- Season 43 is the first season players receive rDerby from Season 42 staking payouts.
Numbers and Rules
- Each major purse is preloaded with 80k Derby to start Season 43.
- The Mayhem Jackpot pot is approaching $500.
