by the Pennsylvania Fair Circuit

The Pennsylvania Fair Circuit has instituted some new policies for the 2011 fair season.

For all races, including Sire Stakes, Quaker Stakes and overnight races, 2-year-olds MUST have two full days off between starts.

The remainder of the new policies are in regard to Pennsylvania Sire Stake races only:

Qualifying standards are as follows: 2T – 2:12. 2P – 2:08. 3T – 2:10. 3P – 2:06. All times noted are with allowances.

All qualifying events must be held at a parimutuel track with an electronic timer. Matinees or qualifiers held at fairs will no longer be accepted.

Horses must show a clean charted line on the declared gait within the last 45 days prior to entry, behind a starting gate. This rule will be enforced throughout the season. Because of this change, charting has been added at several fairs, and the Presiding Judge will set a track variant prior to the first race each day at charted fairs which will be clearly communicated to horsemen.

There will also be some changes to the 2011 fair schedule:

Indiana, PA will no longer race overnights. Quakers will be held the third day of the fair. Indiana has also dropped night racing and will have a 12Noon post all three days of racing.

Racing at the Stoneboro Fair has changed dates. Races will be held the Friday and Saturday before Labor Day, post time at 10AM both days.

Port Royal’s evening card, held the Tuesday after Labor Day, will have an earlier 5PM post.

Amulet Farms returns to the schedule, set for one day of racing on September 10.

Because of the two-days-off rule for 2YOs, several fairs have altered their schedule as far as which classes take place on which days. Please consult the Fair Guide.

Printed copies of the Fair Guide will be available in late June. Electronic copies are currently available for download at the PA Fair Horsemen’s website, www.pafairharness.com.