Schenectady, NY – The Agriculture & New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund Wednesday (June 2) released the approved schedule for the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) County Fair Series. This year’s season gets underway on July 8 at the Afton Fair in Chenango County. The County Fair Finals are scheduled for Sept. 5 at Goshen. The full schedule of race dates can be viewed here.

The series will consist of 21 non-pari-mutuel harness racing events open to eligible 2- and 3-year-old New York-bred Standardbreds. The events provide young horses with the opportunity to earn as they learn while bringing harness racing to communities across the state.

“This schedule came together thanks to the work of many dedicated individuals in counties around the state,” said Executive Director M. Kelly Young. “We appreciate the commitment of all our racing fairs and are excited for the outstanding season coming up.”

The New York State County Fair Series has three new locations this year in Genesee County, Madison County and Ontario County. Genesee County racing will occur at Batavia Downs, while Madison County racing will be offsite at SUNY Morrisville. The Ontario County Fair is located in Canandaigua, which is hosting harness racing on its track for the first time in memory.

“The New York Sire Stakes is excited to welcome these three new locations to expand our racing offerings,” said Young. “We hope this schedule encourages more individuals to participate in harness racing and attend these exciting grandstand events in New York State.”

Additionally, the Lewis County Fair celebrates its 200th year this summer. Harness racing has long been an integral part of the Lowville, NY, event and the NYSS is excited to be part of this milestone celebration. You can learn more here.

Lastly, all County Fair Finals entries, except those for Erie County, will go through the New York Fair Entry Hotline at 518.388.0964.

Visit the New York Sire Stakes website at www.nysirestakes.com for more information.

About the Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund:
The Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund is a public benefit corporation established in 1965 by the Laverne Law (Laws of New York, Chapter 567 of the Laws of 1965). The Fund’s mission is to promote agriculture through the breeding of Standardbred horses and the conduct of equine research within the state. The Fund administers the New York Sire Stakes races, Excelsior/State Fair Series races, and County Fair Races to carry out its legislative mission.