by M. Kelly Young, executive assistant, the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State

ALBANY, N.Y.—The Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund has announced that the purses for every division of the New York-bred Late Closer series, part of the New York Sire Stakes program, have been increased for the 2005 racing season.

Purses for each race will now be $7,500 plus declaration fees, which remain at $100 per horse. Purses were originally set at $6,500 plus declaration fees.

“We are very pleased to offer these larger purses,” said executive director Peter Goold on behalf of the Breeding Development Fund. “Revenues for the Fund have exceeded projections that were determined in November when the base Late Closer purses were set. We have been able to re-evaluate the purse structure and implement this increase for the owners and horsemen who have invested in New York breeding and agriculture.”

The Breeding Development Fund also recently announced that total purses for the New York Sire Stakes program will exceed an estimated $9 million this year.

Late Closer nominations must be postmarked by Monday, July 18, for 3-year-olds and by Wednesday, August 3, for 2-year-olds. To nominate, horses must be eligible to the Sire Stakes and 3-year-olds must be non-winners of $20,000 lifetime and 2-year-olds must be non-winners of $5,000. For information on Late Closer nominations, call the Breeding Development Fund at 518-436-8713.