by Jerry Connors, the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission

Harrisburg, PA — The Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission has announced changes in the dates and location of some of its Sire Stakes Championships, due to construction at The Meadows that would inhibit owners and others to experience the full “thrill of victory.”

The 3-year-old pari-mutuel Championships (and consolations) will still be held on Sunday, September 7, at Harrah’s Chester.

The 2-year-old pari-mutuel Championships (and consolations) will now be held one day later, Wednesday, September 24, and now will take place at Harrah’s Chester.

The Fair Sire Stakes Championships will also be held at Harrah’s Chester:

Sunday, October 5 – 2-year-old filly trot and 3-year-old filly pace
Monday, October 6 – 2-year-old colt pace and 3-year-old colt pace
Wednesday, October 8 – 2-year-old colt trot and 3-year-old filly trot
Thursday, October 9 – 2-year-old filly pace and 3-year-old colt trot

Note that this is the same layout of races as formerly scheduled at The Meadows, just one day earlier.

“We felt that the owners of these Championship horses deserve accommodations that are just not available at The Meadows during their construction,” said Director of Harness Racing Anton J. Leppler. “The Chester facility will give everyone, especially the winning owners, a chance to feel all of the great emotions connected with owning a Championship horse in the rich Pennsylvania Sire Stakes series.

“We also commend The Meadows for being ‘good sports’ about the making of these changes as they complete work on their impressive new racino, and we look forward to The Meadows hosting Sire Stakes Championships in 2009.”

The Race Secretary at Chester is Rick Kane: call him at (484) 490-2222 for draw dates and times, detention barn questions, or any other matter.