from the Kentucky Sire Stakes

Frankfort, KY — The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission announced today that the Kentucky Sire Stakes will distribute over $2 million in purses in 2012.

The Kentucky Sire Stakes is a culmination of a month-long series of preliminary races, with the biggest money earners getting a chance to compete in one of the richest finals in North America with $2 million in purse money. In 2012, the Kentucky Sire Stakes will include two eliminations for a purse of $30,000 each and eight finals with purses of $250,000 per division for 2-and 3-year-old pacers and trotters.

Although the race dates have not been determined, the entire series will take place at the historic Red Mile in Lexington, Ky. The Red Mile is one of the oldest harness tracks in the world with the first race dating back to September 28, 1875.

“We are delighted to again offer purses over $2 million, including finals of $250,000 for each division and project to do the same in 2013. We are confident in the Kentucky Sire Stakes program and believe Kentucky has one of the strongest sire stakes in North America,” said Commissioner Alan Leavitt, Chair of the Kentucky Sire Stakes Advisory Committee.

In addition to the 2012 purses and for the second year in a row, the Kentucky Sire Stakes Advisory Committee approved allocating $140,000 to the Kentucky Colt Association to be used to fund purses for harness racing at Kentucky fairs. The fair circuit begins in May and runs through August.

For more information regarding the Kentucky fairs, please visit www.kentuckycoltassociation.com.