from the New York Sire Stakes
Albany, NY — The New York Sire Stakes County Fair finals will be held at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Friday (Sept. 15), following two months of racing at 20 county fairs across New York State.
This year’s series began at the Orange County Fair in Goshen on July 4, with the final race day at the Tompkins County Fair on Aug. 22. The top series point earners with more than five starts on the season qualify for the finals.
The County Fair finals will consist of seven pari-mutuel wagering races. The previous County Fair races that were completed on Aug. 22 were non-pari-mutuel harness races, open to eligible 2- and 3-year-old New York Standardbreds, separated into eight divisions based on age, gender and gait. Divisions included 3-year-old colt and filly pacers and trotters, and 2-year-old colt and filly pacers and trotters. The events provided young horses with the opportunity to earn as they learn, while bringing the community together for a series of races.
Race entries for Friday night can be found here.
Post time for the main race card is at 6:45 p.m., but the evening begins at 6 p.m. with a special non-wagering County Fair final for 2-year-old colts and a Racing Under Saddle exhibition. RUS is a hybrid between harness and Thoroughbred racing where riders race atop Standardbreds on the trot. RUS NY was formed in 2014 to increase interest in Standardbred racing and showcase the versatility of the Standardbred breed.
“New York’s equine industry, including its unparalleled Standardbred racing sector, is a vital part of New York agriculture, and the Sire Stakes program is key to the success of the industry,” said Richard A. Ball, State Agriculture Commissioner and Board Trustee, Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund. “The County Fair Series allows us to introduce harness racing to new audiences who will continue to carry the sport forward for years to come.”
“The New York Sire Stakes County Fair finals is a fast-paced, exciting competition that our members, including owners, drivers, trainers and groomers, look forward to each year,” said Tom McTygue, president of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association. “With so much talent on the track, it promises to be an exciting night for everyone involved in the races and the spectators in the stands.”
The New York Sire Stakes promote the breeding, buying, and racing of Standardbred horses in New York State, and are administered by the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund. A complete schedule of this summer’s races can be found at www.nysirestakes.com. The New York State Sire Stakes finals will take place on Oct. 14 at Yonkers Raceway.