USTA District 8/NYSS celebrate 2021 participants

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) and USTA District 8 will be hosting a virtual harness racing awards banquet, streamed live on Facebook on Nov. 14. The program will begin at 7 p.m. and will be approximately one hour in duration. Kelly Young, executive director of the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund, will serve as emcee. The program can be accessed through the NYSS Facebook page.

The evening will honor champion horses, trainers, drivers, owners and breeders of the NYSS, the Excelsior Series and the New York County Fair Series. USTA District 8 Awards for Horse of the Year, Breeder of the Year, Trainer of the Year and Driver of the Year will be announced live as part of the broadcast.

“The awards banquet is an opportunity for us to reflect on the successes of the past season,” said Young. “Given the ample, positive feedback from last year’s virtual banquet we are thrilled to be able to bring this event platform back this year and highlight even more exciting footage from the season for all to enjoy no matter where they are located.”

The Harness Horse Breeders of New York State will also present its highest honor, the Bruce Hamilton Memorial Medal, during the program.

Tune in during the program to see how you can win “door” prizes. Honoree awards will be mailed to all 2021 winners following the program. Questions about the banquet can be directed to Kelly Young at Kelly.Young@gaming.ny.gov.

About the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund:

The Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund (the Fund) is a public benefit corporation established in 1965 by the Laverne Law (Laws of New York, Chapter 567 of the Laws of 1965). The mission of the fund is to promote agriculture through the breeding of Standardbred horses and the conduct of equine research within the state. To carry out its legislative mission, the Fund administers the New York Sire Stakes races, Excelsior/State Fair Series races, and County Fair Races.

Leah Rostohar | Baker Public Relations