Vernon Downs is proud to announce that it will host the 2009 New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions on Saturday, Sept. 26, with a post time 6:55 p.m. (EDT).
Vernon Downs, the largest pari-mutuel track in New York State, will be hosting the best freshmen and sophomores for each sex and gait on the historic seven-eighths-mile track, dubbed the home of the “Miracle Mile.”
With top pacing and trotting sires finding homes in the Empire State, the track record books are being rewritten across the state, and high yearling price tags are following New York breds throughout the sales all over North America. Patrons at Vernon Downs will be given the opportunity to see not only the best New York breds, but some of the best horses throughout world. They will compete on this night for purses estimated to be at least $1.2 million.
New York State Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John D. Sabini had the following statement when asked about the relocation of the New York Sire Stakes finals to Vernon Downs in 2009: “The New York Sire Stakes finals is a premier event that is designed to showcase the most promising New York Standardbreds. As New York’s chief racing regulator, my goal is to have all of the pari-mutuel tracks prosper so that this vitally important industry can continue to contribute to the state’s overall economy and furnish good jobs. As we set the 2009 Sire Stakes schedule, it made tremendous sense to have the finals at Vernon Downs. Not only do we expect to have a successful night of racing at Vernon Downs, but we hope that in combination with the Morrisville Sale one day later, Central New York will be the Woodstock of harness racing for one fabulous weekend.”
American Racing and Entertainment Chairman Jeff Gural made the following statement in regards to the New York Sire Stakes finals at Vernon Downs: “We are very happy that the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund selected Vernon Downs to host the New York Sire Stakes finals in 2009. I believe this will help the New York breeding industry as the Morrisville sale is the following day and having the races at Vernon will help the college along with the sale and it will be good for the local economies.”
Vernon Downs will be hosting an assortment of promotions and giveaways for the 2009 Night of Champions and plan on showcasing one of the finest harness racing cards of the year in New York.
“I could not be happier having these races at Vernon Downs; it means quite a bit to myself and our staff that Vernon was selected to be the home of the 2009 New York Sire Stakes finals. We have already begun preparing for this night and we plan on marketing and executing one of the greatest nights of the year in New York harness racing,” said Jason Settlemoir, VP of racing and simulcast at Vernon Downs.
Vernon Downs will kick off its 90-day race meet for the 2009 season on Friday, April 17 (pending regulatory approval by the NYSRWB). To make hotel reservations and/or dining reservations for the New York Sires Stakes Finals, please e-mail jason@tiogadowns.com, or call (607) 699-7588. (Vernon Downs)