The Virginia Harness Horsemen's Association (VHHA) has announced changes to its stakes payments schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The deadline to submit sustaining payments for two and three-year-old horses in the Virginia Breeder's early-closer program, originally due on May 15, has been extended to July 15.

The fee is $200 per horse. Nomination payments ($200) were previously due on March 15 and declaration payments ($200) are due at time of entry. All races will be held during the fall pari-mutuel meet at Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock. Purses for prep/elimination races will be $4,000 and estimated purses for the finals will be $40,000, plus all nominating, sustaining and declaration fees.

Three-year-old eliminations are scheduled for Saturday, September 19, while two-year-old elims will be held the following Saturday (September 26). The finals for both ages will be contested on Saturday, October 3.

Virginia-bred yearlings, which were to have been registered with the VHHA by May 15, will receive the same two-month extension. That $25 fee, along with a nomination form and USTA certification, is now due by July 15.

For more information, visit vhha.net or call Debbie Warnick at 443-463-0917.

(VHHA)