by Jerry Connors, the Pennsylvania Racing Commission

Harrisburg, PA — The Pennsylvania Racing Commission, a part of the state’s Department of Agriculture, is pleased to note that the 2010 Pennsylvania-sired harness stakes season should be the richest ever in the history of the Commonwealth, with $15 million being awarded at the pari-mutuel tracks between the Sire Stakes and the Stallion Series.

The Stallion Series, introduced for 2-year-olds last year as a complement to the Sire Stakes, were highly-successful and well-received, so much so that the program was expanded to include both 2- and 3-year-olds this season, with the groups racing for over $3 million in purse money. A horse cannot race until the fifth day after his previous start in the Stallion Series.

The Sire Stakes have increased in both racing quality and quantity of purses in the last few years, with this year’s contests adding up to a $12 million payday for the state’s best trotters and pacers. There will be eight $200,000 Championship contests for the Sire Stakes, to be held over Labor Day Weekend at The Meadows and Harrah’s Chester.

A schedule for the Sire Stakes and Stallion Series will soon be on the PA Agriculture Web site (www.agriculture.state.pa.us); it is also available in the Race Office at the tracks, and from the Commission at 717.787.5539 or gconnors@state.pa.us.