Harness racing fans have been anxiously awaiting the start of the 2010 Atlantic Sires Stakes season, but the wait is quickly drawing to a close

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The ever-popular racing series will begin the 2010 race season on Thursday, May 20, when three-year-old pacing fillies from across the Maritimes meet at Fredericton Raceway.

“Everyone is eager to see this year’s collection of Atlantic Sires Stakes fillies and maybe some will become the superstars of 2010,” said Horse Racing New Brunswick Executive Director Jeff Malloy.

“We are excited for the stakes season to begin and we wish best of luck to all participants. We would also like to sincerely thank all our patrons and everyone who supports this exciting industry,” Malloy added.

The three-year-old fillies will go in two 'A' divisions for a purse of $8,360 each, and there will be one 'B' division going for $2,500.

The Atlantic Sires Stake fillies will continue their quest for glory throughout the spring and summer months and into the fall. The ultimate goal will be to earn a position in the season-ending Atlantic Breeders Crown championship, which will take place this year at Truro Raceway on Thanksgiving weekend.

The Atlantic Sires Stakes program has been promoting the sport of harness racing for over 40 years, while showcasing the best young horses in the region. The program, which is sponsored by the Atlantic Standardbred Breeders Association, promotes the breeding of standardbred horses in the Atlantic Provinces and provides incentives for people to buy and race horses in the region.

First-race post time on Thursday is 7:00 p.m.

For more information of the 2010 Atlantic Sires Stakes season, visit atlanticsiresstakes.ca.

(ATSS)