Vernon Downs has announced that it will host the 2009 New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions on Saturday, September 26

with a 6:55 p.m. (ET) first race post time.

Vernon Downs will be hosting the best freshman and sophomores for each sex and gait on the historic seven-eighths mile track (the largest track in New York State) dubbed the home of the 'Miracle Mile.'

With top pacing and trotting sires finding homes in the Empire State, the track record books are being re-written across the state, and high yearling price tags are following New York breds throughout the sales all over North America.

Patrons at Vernon Downs will be given the opportunity to see not only the best New York breds have to offer, but some of the best horses throughout world are New York breds and they will be compete on this one night for purses totaling $1.2 million.

“The New York Sire Stakes Finals is a premier event that is designed to showcase the most promising New York standardbreds. As New York’s chief racing regulator, my goal is to have all of the pari-mutuel tracks prosper so that this vitally important industry can continue to contribute to the state’s overall economy and furnish good jobs," said New York State Racing and Wagering Board chairman John D. Sabini in regard to the re-location of the New York Sire Stakes Finals to Vernon Downs in 2009.

"As we set the 2009 Sire Stakes schedule, it made tremendous sense to have the finals at Vernon Downs. Not only do we expect to have a successful night of racing at Vernon Downs, but we hope that in combination with the Morrisville Sale one day later, Central New York will be the Woodstock of harness racing for one fabulous weekend.”

“We are very happy that the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund selected Vernon Downs to host the New York Sire Stakes finals in 2009," said American Racing and Entertainment chairman Jeff Gural, in regard to the New York Sire Stakes finals at Vernon Downs.

"I believe this will help the New York breeding industry as the Morrisville sale is the following day and having the races at Vernon will help the college along with the sale and it will be good for the local economies.”

Vernon Downs will be hosting an assortment of promotions and giveaways for the 2009 Night of Champions and plan on showcasing one of the finest harness racing cards of the year in New York on Saturday, September 26.

“I could not be happier having these races at Vernon Downs, it means quite a bit to myself and our staff that Vernon was selected to be the home of the 2009 New York Sire Stakes finals," said Jason Settlemoir, Vernon Downs vice president of Racing and Simulcast.

"We have already begun preparing for this night and we plan on marketing and executing one of the greatest nights of the year in New York harness racing."

Vernon Downs will kick off its 90-day race meet for the 2009 racing season on Friday, April 17 (pending regulatory approval by the NYSRWB).