Big Butler Fairgrounds to kick-off PA Fair Sire Stakes circuit

PROSPECT, PA – The 2024 Pennsylvania Fair Sire Stakes circuit is set to begin this Tuesday, June 25, with the harness racing season to open at the Big Butler Fairgrounds in this west central Pennsylvania borough.

Pennsylvania law provides for a set of Fair Sire Stakes during the operating period of each applying fair in the state, plus five “Two-Day Sire Stakes” meets at a facility during dates not connected with hosting a fair. Butler’s action will coincide with the fair there; the first two-day event will be held at Stoneboro on Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30.

Pennsylvania’s Fair Sire Stakes are divided into “A” and “B” divisions, with starting fees ($75 and $50 respectively) added to the purses. “A” races have added money of $7500, $5000, and $3750 for one, two, or three+ divisions; all “B” races start from a base of $2500. “A”-level horses will earn points based on their finishing position that can qualify them for the Pennsylvania Fair Sire Stakes Championships, to be held at The Meadows on Friday, October 11.

The Butler races are scheduled to start at 1 p.m. each day. Tuesday will be devoted to giving the two-year-olds their first taste of fair stakes competition, with ten races in all.

Three of the four 2023 Pennsylvania Fair Sire Stakes Champions for freshmen will be in to go in Wednesday’s sophomore action: Thaler Hanover in the colt trot, Little Town Road in the filly trot, and Showboat Hanover in the filly pace. “Showboat”’s 1:55 Fair Championship equaled the fair finals record for her division. In addition, three of the four sections have a 2024 winner in the pari-mutuel Stallion Series competition.

Many of the 2024 fair racing sessions are scheduled for livestreaming, through the PA Fairs Harness Horsemen’s Association’website here. Check back with this site for a full schedule as the coverage is finalized.

From the PFHHA, MSOA and PHHA partnership