Nichols, NY — The $1 million (est.) Empire Breeders Classic stakes for 3-year-old New York sired trotters and pacers will be raced without eliminations in 2021. This format was implemented for the 2020 EBC trotting races and the 2020 EBC colt pace went straight to the final with 10 declarations.

In 2021, should 10 or fewer declare for any of the EBCs, the stake will go as a single division for the total purse. If 11 or more declare the stake shall be raced in divisions with the purse split equally and the entry fee reduced accordingly.

The EBC colt and filly trots are scheduled for Vernon Downs on Friday (June 18) and the pacers will race at Tioga Downs on Sunday (Aug. 29).

The 2021 $650,000 (est.) Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial will be raced at Vernon on Sunday (Aug. 29) using the “main event/consolation” format as it has been for the past several years.

The W.N. Reynolds stakes for 2-year-olds will return to Tioga for 2021 and all divisions are scheduled for Friday (Sept. 3).

Vernon and Tioga Downs are set to begin the 2021 live racing season at the customary starting dates for the pair of Upstate New York venues. Vernon starts first on Saturday (April 17) while Tioga gets underway on Saturday (May 1).

Contact Racing Operations Manager Brett Risi at BRisi@TiogaDowns.com or 607.699.7688 for answers.