Atlantic Sires Stakes three-year-old pacing colts will be the highlight of opening day at the Inverness Racew

ay on Sunday, May 31.

“Opening day always brings added excitement to the track,” says Race Secretary, Donnie MacLellan.

“The Atlantic Sires Stakes colts will certainly add to this excitement because each colt brings out its own fan base,” MacLellan adds.

Twenty colts will race in three 'A' divisions on Sunday’s race card for a purse of $7,640 per division. Meanwhile, eight colts will compete in a lone 'B' division for a purse of $2,500.

Atlantic Sires Stakes purse monies are expected to top the million-dollar mark again this year. Last year, over $1.1 million was paid out in Atlantic Sires Stakes purses. In addition to the purse money, Atlantic Sires Stakes events provide positive economic spin-offs for the host racetrack and surrounding communities, as colts and fillies travel from across the Maritimes to participate in the events.

The Atlantic Sires Stakes series will take place at eight racetracks in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island this year. Fillies and colts earning the most points throughout the season have the opportunity to compete in the Atlantic Breeders Crown championships, which take place on Prince Edward Island in October.

The Atlantic Sires Stakes program showcases the best young horses in the region and has been promoting the sport of harness racing for owners, breeders and racing fans for over 40 years.

Post time at the Inverness Raceway on Sunday is 1:30 p.m.

For a complete schedule of Atlantic Sires Stakes events for 2009, click here.

(Atlantic Standardbred Breeders Association)