Running Aces Casino and Racetrack is set to kick off its 11th season of live harness racing this weekend, with opening night on Saturday (May 19). First race post time is 6:00 p.m., with live music after the races.

The 2018 season at Running Aces will follow its traditional three-night schedule of Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday evenings with the Tuesday Dollar Night programs getting underway at 7:00 p.m. and the weekend cards starting at 6:00 p.m.

A familiar face among the driving colony at Running Aces is Minnesota native Lemoyne "Mooney" Svendsen, who has participated at tracks all across North America. Svendsen has returned home each of the last 10 summers to compete at Running Aces and is thrilled to be able to do so.

"As soon as I heard they were getting a track in Minnesota, I couldn't wait to get there," Svendsen told Minnesota's Star Tribune. "My whole life, I knew what I wanted to do. But when I was young, I had to leave (Minnesota), because there was no racing.

"I was so glad to get to come back home and race. Horses have kept my family so tight over the years, and they still do."

Running Aces offers fun for the whole family, with trout pond fishing, family nights, live music, great food and beverage options and plenty of promotions and giveaways. The full schedule of events is available on the Running Aces website.

The 2018 racing season will be highlighted by the $50,000 Dan Patch Free-For-All Pace on July 22, and the $360,000 (est.) Night of Champions on September 15. Other notable races will include the $15,000 Finnegan's Feature Trot and $15,000 Finnegan's Feature Pace both held on Father's Day weekend. The July 15 card will feature the $15,000 Dan Patch Preview Pace.

New for 2018 at Running Aces is a state-of-the-art infield video board, which will enhance the fan experience and provide easier viewing of the racing action, replays, prices and will-pay information.

Also new for 2018, Running Aces introduces the 50-cent late Daily Double on the last two races of the night. All of the very popular multi-race pools are back as well, featuring the 20-cent Jackpot Pick-5, plus multiple pick-3 wagers each night, and early and late 50-cent Pick-4 wagering.

The 50-cent late Pick-4 wager on Sunday and Tuesday will feature a $5,000 Guaranteed Pool which is sponsored by Running Aces, the USTA's Strategic Wagering program, and MHRI.

The very popular 50-cent Hi-5 wager is back as well, and will be offered on each of the last two races every night.

Also new for 2018, each week Running Aces will offer Free Tuesday past-performance program available for download from the Running Aces website as well as the track's Facebook page.

(with files from Running Aces)