Some significant changes have been made to the New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) racing program for 2012. Replacing the New York Late Closer program is the brand new Excelsior Series, which will include the historic New York State Fair events.
For the upcoming season, the New York State Fair races will not require a separate payment. To make your horse eligible for the New York State Fair races you must make the February 15 and April 15 payments for the Excelsior series to the Ag Fund of New York State . The purse for the State Fair races will be $12,000 plus entry fees ($100) and also afford those racing in the events the opportunity to earn points toward the $45,000 (est.) Excelsior Series finals.
The New York State Fair for 3-year-old trotters will be raced at Vernon Downs on Friday, May 25, serving as a prep for the 2012 Empire Breeders Classic trots the raced the next two weeks. The 3-year-old pacers will race at Tioga Downs on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28.
The 2-year-olds will race at Vernon Downs on Aug. 24 and 25 as part of an exciting weekend featuring the new format $700,000E Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial events and the $50,000 Drivers' Championship on Sunday, Aug. 26. (Vernon/Tioga Downs)