The Pennsylvania Sire Stakes reminds horsemen that sustaining payments for the program must be postmarked by this Thursday, March 15.
For 2-year-olds, a pari-mutuel payment of $150 is due, and a fair payment of $25 – you can pick one or (what most people do, depending on circumstances) both. This payment carries eligibility over to the 3-year-old year, even if the freshman does not make the May 15 payment of $400 pari-mutuel and $50 fair, which would enable Sire Stakes participation this year.
For 3-year-olds, a $500 pari-mutuel payment, the only one for sophomores, is due Thursday. The fair payment for this group is not due until May 15.
Pari-mutuel payments for the Sire Stakes also make the horse eligible for that year's Stallion Series action.
As noted earlier, the Sire Stakes money for the 2012 season is in place, based on slots revenue in 2011 and a generous helping hand from the pari-mutuel horsemen for the fair circuit. Some $10 million is likely to be on the line over the pari-mutuel tracks, with another $2,000,000 or so to be contested at the fairs.
For forms, and to have questions answered, please contact Jerry Connors (gconnors@pa.gov; 717 787 5539) or Pennie Dodson (pdodson@pa.gov; 717 214 9053). (Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission)