Sires' Stakes deadline looms

Time is running out for those wanting to make sustaining payments for the latest Sires' Stakes series.

The deadline for the Sires’ Stakes Series 39 for the two-year-olds is Wednesday, December 1.

“We have just had a record percentage of the foal crop pay up to be Sires’ Stakes eligible and speaking to participants it is clear to me that the recent changes have had a heavy influence in changing mindsets,” says Sires’ Stakes Executive Martin Pierson.

The changes he talks of is the restructuring of the Racing Calendar as approved by Harness Racing New Zealand earlier this year (from Jan 1 - Dec 31).

Historically it has been very difficult for late December and January foals to compete with those three or four months older in age group classics, especially as two-year-olds.

Now with the changes every rising two-year-old in the country will now have close to 12 months from the sustaining payment to work their way into contention, as opposed to what was around five months under the old system.

Sires’ Stakes Series 39 will see the following changes to its two-year-old series.

· Woodlands Stud Sires’ Stakes Two-Year-Old Colts & Geldings Final: 8th November (Cup Day)

· Dunstan Horsefeeds Sires’ Stakes Two-Year-Old Fillies Final: 11th November (Show Day)

· Lone Star Sires’ Stakes Two-Year-Old Trotting Championship: 11th November (Show Day)

“The cream will rise to the top, but at least now every horse in this country has an opportunity to fulfil its potential, and the Sires’ Stakes administered races will directly benefit as a result,” says Pierson.

“With over $500,000 on offer for the three respective two-year-old heats and finals, now is the time to get involved and make the sustaining payment for your eligible yearling.”

Anyone wishing to make a payment please contact Martin Pierson - [email protected] or phone 03 964 1186