On Sunday, November 15, Batavia Downs will be the site for the USTA District 8 membership meeting, director election and New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) year-end awards banquet, hosted by the New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund.

All members of USTA District 8 are invited to attend the general membership meeting which will begin at 4 p.m. in the Robert J. Kane board room. The agenda includes a discussion of proposed USTA rule changes and other business, followed by questions and answers.

There will also be voting for two director’s seats that are currently available (polls will open at 4 p.m.). If you are not attending in person, be advised that your mailed ballot must be received by the USTA no later than November 11.

At the conclusion of the meeting, there will be a cocktail party held in advance of the dinner that will start at 6:30 p.m. and be hosted by Batavia Downs, Buffalo Raceway, Monticello Raceway, Saratoga Raceway, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs. Cocktails and hors devours will be available at in the Grandstands Banquet Room, located on the upper level.

Dinner will start at 7:30 p.m. and will also be held in Grandstands.

Shortly after dinner begins, opening remarks will kick off the NYSS awards ceremony and presentations by the USTA and the New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund.

Tickets for the banquet are $30 per person and must be purchased in advance. Anyone purchasing a ticket will also receive $15 worth of ‘free-play’ on the gaming floor.

Tickets can be obtained by sending a cheque (payable to the NYS Harness Horse Breeders) to NYS Harness Horse Breeders, 12 Avis Drive, Suite 1, Latham, NY 12110 Attention: Betty. Payment must arrive no later than Wednesday (November 11) and the general public is welcome to attend.

If you need further assistance, please call the HHBNYS at 518-785-5858.

(Batavia Downs)