Vernon Downs, the 2009 host of the New York Sire Stakes 'Night of Champions,' has announced that nine horses will compete in every Sire Stake final on Saturday, September 26.

Previously held on half mile tracks, the New York Sire Stakes Finals were always eight-horse fields. The move to the seven-eighths mile track in Vernon, New York allows for one more starter in each division and helps to further promote the great New York Sire Stakes program throughout the State of New York.

“The New York Sire Stakes is such an overwhelming success that other states are duplicating it,” said John D. Sabini, chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board and the Agriculture & New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund.

Peter Goold, executive director of the Agriculture & New York State Horse Breeding Fund said, “our New York Sire Stakes program has always been one of the most competitive state-bred racing programs in the nation. With the Night of Champions races held on a bigger track this year, we are able to open up the event to an additional eight horses, making the competition even stronger and showcasing even more of the most talented New York-breds.”

“We are excited to host the New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions at Vernon Downs this year and having nine horse fields gives the bettors more to choose from, and also allows one extra horse qualify for the $175,000 final for each division. The bigger track also allows for a little more ease when drawing the outside post position,” said Jason Settlemoir, vice president of racing and simulcast.

The New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions is the culmination of the three-month-long NYSS harness racing season, which is specifically designed for two and three-year-old trotters and pacers bred in New York State. The leading point-earning horses will compete in the New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions at Vernon Downs for $1.4 million in total purses.

First-race post time for the New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions on Saturday, September 26 is 6:55 (EDT).

(With files from Vernon)