by James Witherite, Tioga/Vernon Downs racing media

Vernon, NY — While both of their racing careers have come to an end, world champions Sebastian K and Sweet Lou will be honored this weekend with unique giveaways at the tracks that hosted two of their signature wins.

Friday night (Aug. 21), fans at Vernon Downs will receive a Sebastian K travel mug (while supplies last), celebrating the world’s fastest trotter’s win in last year’s Crawford Farms Open Trot. This year’s $200,000 event is the highlight of a stakes-filled card at the Central New York oval that will also include the $177,000 Muscle Hill Mare Trot and the $194,000 Artiscape Open Mare Pace plus the New York Sire Stakes 2-year-old filly pace.

The giveaway begins at 5 p.m. and a spectacular fireworks show will take place after the races.

“Sebastian K surpassed all our expectations during his North American adventure and we enjoyed bringing him to many different tracks around the region,” said Tristan Sjoberg, who along with his brother own Sebastian K under the Knutsson Trotting banner. “His win in the Crawford Farms Trot at the picturesque Vernon Downs when he wired the field in effortless fashion was one of the highlights of a sparkling season.”

The 9-year-old Sebastian K was recently retired after a European and North American career where he earned $2,973,252.

Sunday afternoon (Aug. 23), fans at Tioga Downs will receive a Sweet Lou travel mug (while supplies last), celebrating the 2014 Pacer of the Year’s win in last year’s Roll With Joe Open Pace. This year’s $155,000 renewal highlights Sunday’s stakes-filled card that will also include the Empire Breeders Classic finals and the Reynolds Stakes for freshman trotters.

The giveaway begins at 12:30 p.m. with post time set for 1:30 p.m.

Sweet Lou earned $3,478,894 during his four-year racing career for owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Larry Karr, and Phil Collura.

For more racing and promotional information, visit www.tiogadowns.com and www.vernondowns.com.