by Gerry Connors, the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission

Harrisburg, PA — The Pennsylvania Sires Stakes, responding to inquires about 2008 purses and strategy for purchase of yearlings at upcoming sales, is issuing the following money projections for next year.

Pari-Mutuel: Purses for the four preliminary legs should at least double in 2008, with added money expected to be around $200,000 per event. Finals will go from $100,000 this year to $150,000 in 2008. In all, approximately $4 million is expected to be added to the Pennsylvania Pari-Mutuel program next season from slot revenue.

Fairs: A projected $1 million from slots revenue is expected to be added to the fair program in 2008. There will be no “A/B” divisions next year; one main division is expected to be worth $8,000-$8,500, with individual purses dependent on the number of horses entered. Fair Championships are scheduled to be worth $20,000 each in 2008.

Depending on the further growth of slot income, largely from the building of “stand-alone” casinos, purse projections will be further revised in the future, when more definitive information is known.