The hard work of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association (PHHA), Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA) and Standardbred Breeders Association of Pennsylvania (SBAPA) has resulted in expansion of the program to a $3.3 million series of races, with 3-year-olds this year now having a circuit to parallel the one started by the 2-year-old group last year.
“The expansion of the Stallion Series races, joining the already-burgeoning Breeders Funds and Sire Stakes, is further proof that Pennsylvania is swiftly becoming the number one state to race and breed talented harness stock in North America,” Michael Dillon, acting executive secretary of the Harness Commission, said.
No additional fees are needed to contest the Stallion Series. If a horse has maintained eligibility for the Sire Stakes program, he or she is eligible to be entered in the Stallion Series. There is a $200 entry fee for a Stallion Series start. No horse may race five or fewer days before a Stallion Series or pari-mutuel Sire Stakes leg.
The top point-winners in the preliminary Stallion Series legs, which will be worth $20,000, each, will contest $40,000 finals at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in September.
A finalized Stallion Series schedule for both divisions will be set shortly, but generally the Stallion Series races will be held a day or two before the parallel Sire Stakes race.