The Agriculture & New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund has announced that the 2025 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) “Night of Champions” will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.

As the premier event of the NYSS season, the Night of Champions showcases the top New York-sired two- and three-year-olds with more than $2.4 million USD in purse money awarded across the evening.

“We are excited to bring the Night of Champions back to Batavia Downs, where the event was last hosted in 2019,” said Ralph Scunziano, Executive Director of the Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund. “Batavia Downs has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to hosting world-class racing, and their upgraded clubhouse and facilities are sure to create another memorable experience for our horsemen, owners and fans.”

Located between Buffalo and Rochester, Batavia Downs is centrally situated in Western New York’s agricultural hub, offering a unique opportunity to highlight both the sport of harness racing and the economic impact of equine breeding and training in the region. The half-mile track is well known for its quality surface and competitive racing.

The races will be streamed live on Batavia Downs’ YouTube page, and a live post position draw will take place on Facebook ahead of the event. Pre-race commentary and on-site interviews with winning connections will also enhance the live broadcast experience.

“We are honoured to have been selected to host this prestigious event here at Batavia Downs," said Byron Brown, President and CEO of Western Regional Off Track Betting Corporation. "I appreciate the confidence that the Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund has in our team here and we will not let them down. Our track and facility will be ready to go, and we are prepared to celebrate the Night of Champions with all of people that attend.”

The 2025 Night of Champions will be the culmination of a 56-day NYSS season, beginning May 18 at Saratoga Raceway. Full schedules for the Sire Stakes, Excelsior Series and County Fair Series are available at nysirestakes.com.

(With files from Agriculture & New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund)