The Atlantic Sires Stakes program is giving harness racing fans, owners, drivers and trainers an opportunity to look forward to spring, as the 2009 race season

approaches.

The ever-popular racing series will begin the new season on May 18, as three-year-old pacing fillies will meet for some friendly competition at the Fredericton Raceway.

Atlantic Sires Stakes colts and 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 championships, which will take place this year at the Charlottetown Driving Park on Thanksgiving weekend.

Atlantic Sires Stakes action will take place at eight racetracks throughout New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island during the 2009 season. This year's calendar includes a visit to Connell Park in Woodstock, New Brunswick by two and three-year-old trotters. Other New Brunswick events will take place in Fredericton and Saint John.

Meanwhile, Nova Scotia will play host to Atlantic Sires Stakes events at the Inverness Raceway, Northside Downs and Truro Raceway. In Prince Edward Island both the Charlottetown Driving Park and Summerside Raceway will host a full slate of Atlantic Sires Stakes events.

The Atlantic Sires Stakes program has also released its Stallion Roster for the 2009-breeding year. To date, 40 stallions are registered with the program. Only foals sired by stallions registered with the program are eligible to participate in Atlantic Sires Stakes events.

The Atlantic Sires Stakes program has been promoting the sport of harness racing for over forty 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.

The provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island generously support the Atlantic Sires Stakes program. In addition, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation and Woodbine Entertainment Group contribute greatly to the success of the racing series.

The complete 2009 race schedule and 2009 stallion roster are now available on the Atlantic Sires Stakes website.

(Atlantic Standardbred Breeders Association)