Running Aces Harness Park wrapped up its fourth season of live racing on Labour Day with a holiday bang -—- the richest program ever offered with an entire card of nine $20,000 Minnesota State Championship races in all the various divisions

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Although live handle for the 45-night meet was down 14 per cent, the export simulcast figures were up 34 per cent for an overall average daily handle of $109,914, an increase of 21 per cent for the year.

Dean Magee was the driving champion for the second straight season. His 78 trips to the winners circle outdistanced runner up Nick Roland, who notched 50 victories. Rick Magee had 43 wins to finish third.

Mark Anderson claimed his first Running Aces trainer’s title with 27 winners in his first year back in Minnesota, where he was raised. Tim Maier was just one tally back at 26 and John De Long sent 25 winners to post.

Although the season was interrupted by an unprecedented three-week state government shutdown, crowds remained large and enthusiastic throughout the summer, business levels continued to rise for the fourth consecutive year, and the staff and horsemen at Running Aces are already looking forward to another banner season in 2012.

The triumphant state-bred champions on the track Monday night were RAS Shakinthtbacon, Iheartquestionmark, Im Blue Too, I Do It Myself, Greenback, Ya U Bet Cha, DJ French Baby, Dandy Di and Restless Yankee.

(With files from Running Aces)