Press release
ALBANY, N.Y. — The Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund is proud to
announce that the 2025 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) “Night of Champions” will take place
on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel in Batavia, N.Y.
As the premier event of the NYSS season, the Night of Champions showcases the top two-
and three-year-old Standardbreds bred, owned, and raced in New York State. With over
$2.4 million in purse money awarded across the evening, the event represents the pinnacle
of the harness racing calendar.
“We are excited to bring the Night of Champions back to Batavia Downs, where the event was
last hosted in 2019,” said Ralph Scunziano, Executive Director of the Agriculture & NYS Horse
Breeding Development Fund. “Batavia Downs has demonstrated an outstanding commitment
to hosting world-class racing, and their upgraded clubhouse and facilities are sure to create
another memorable experience for our horsemen, owners, and fans.”
Located between Buffalo and Rochester, Batavia Downs is centrally situated in Western
New York’s agricultural hub, offering a unique opportunity to highlight both the sport of
harness racing and the economic impact of equine breeding and training in the region. The
half-mile track is well known for its quality surface and competitive racing.
The races will be streamed live on Batavia Downs’ YouTube page, and a live post-position
draw will take place on Facebook ahead of the event. Pre-race commentary and on-site
interviews with winning connections will also enhance the live broadcast experience.
“We are honored to have been selected to host this prestigious event here at Batavia Downs. I
appreciate the confidence that the Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund has
in our team here and we will not let them down. Our track and facility will be ready to go, and
we are prepared to celebrate the “Night of Champions” with all of people that attend,” said
Byron Brown, President and CEO of Western Regional Off Track Betting Corporation.
The 2025 Night of Champions will be the culmination of a 56-day NYSS season, beginning
May 18 at Saratoga Raceway. Full schedules for the Sire Stakes, Excelsior Series, and County
Fair Series are available at www.nysirestakes.com.