Based on the amount of money flowing into the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes account from its several sources, it is possible that the program in 2009 will distribute $12 million in purses, up from $10 million this year, says the Pennsylvania Racing Commissions.

"The money going to Sire Stakes from the slot machines totaled $4 million after six months this year," said Dan Tufano, chief of Racing Affairs for the Commissions. "It would seem that $8 million is a reasonable figure to expect from the slot funding stream.

"Add to that the $2.5 million that should be coming from taxes on pari-mutuel wagering, and then add in the nominating, sustaining, and starting fees from the horsemen, and the total for 2009 looks like it will be in the $11.5 - $12 million range – certainly good news for Pennsylvania horsemen, and Pennsylvania harness racing in general."

The Pennsylvania Standardbred Breeders Fund, which will be in its second year, receives the same percentage of funding from slots as does the Sire Stakes, so it too could receive funds in the neighborhood of $8 million, based on the already-collected funding of the first part of the year.

A good place for horsemen to add to their chances in the Pennsylvania program will occur this Sunday, August 24, at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, which will feature the PA Preferred Yearling Sale, with many well-bred babies going under the auction hammer – and hopefully on to future Pennsylvania racing glory.

(Pennsylvania Racing Commissions)