The Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association has released a 2009 stakes schedule of 27 events worth a total of $2.375 million.
The highlight is the Sept. 19 “Pennsylvania’s Day at the Races” at Philadelphia Park Casino & Racetrack. Five stakes valued at $625,000 will be offered, including a new event, the $200,000 PA Horse Breeders Distaff for fillies and mares at seven furlongs.
Fifteen of the state-bred stakes will be raced at Philly Park, six at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, and six at Presque Isle Downs & Casino.
Most of the stakes will be packaged on certain days. On May 29, Penn National will host four stakes valued at $350,000; June 20, Presque Isle will offer three stakes worth $275,000; July 18, three stakes worth $225,000 will be run at Philly Park; and Aug. 21, Presque Isle will host three events valued at $225,000.
Along with the new Distaff, “Pennsylvania’s Day at the Races” includes the $125,000 Smarty Jones Classic for 3-year-olds and up, and three $100,000 events: the Devil’s Honor Handicap, Mrs. Penny Stakes, and Mr. Jenney Handicap.
The Pennsylvania-bred stakes slate begins May 9 with two stakes at Philly Park, and ends Nov. 28 as usual with the $75,000 PA Nursery Stakes for 2-year-olds.
