from the New Jersey Sire Stakes

Trenton, NJ — The deadline for the New Jersey Sire Stakes, Green Acres and Standardbred Development Fund’s second sustaining payments is rapidly approaching. Owners of horses that are eligible to any of the programs are reminded that payments must be postmarked by April 15.

The NJSS Premier Division will be contested exclusively again at The Meadowlands in 2016 starting in May for 3-year-olds and in July for 2-year-olds. The Green Acres Division, which will only be contested for 3-year-olds in 2017, begins Aug. 26 at Freehold Raceway. Once again this year, the NJSS rule is that the Green Acres Program is limited to horses that have earned less than $25,000 in New Jersey Sire Stakes Premier Division earnings during the current calendar year.

For 2016 2-year-olds the Green Acres Division is being replaced by a new series — the New Jersey Standardbred Development Fund. The SDF is open to all horses sired by a New Jersey-based stallion as well as the offspring of mares who have resided in New Jersey for a minimum of 150 days, regardless of where the sire stands. Previous registration of the mare while she is in foal and nomination are required to establish eligibility. The first SDF race will be held on Sept. 23 at Freehold Raceway, the location of all races in the series.

The NJSS Premier Division’s second sustaining payment remains $500 for both 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds. The Green Acres Division payment for 3-year-olds also remains $150. The amount of $150 is also due for the second sustaining fee for 2-year-olds that are eligible to the Standardbred Development Fund.

Owners of yearlings sired by New Jersey based stallions or yearlings of dams who were previously registered with the Standardbred Development Fund must nominate by May 15.

Forms for all of these payments may be obtained at the website, www.newjerseysirestakes.com.