There is a dusting of snow on the ground in Northeast Ohio, but a sure sign of spring in the local harness racing world is the start of the annual Iron Maiden Series at MGM Northfield Park.

The spring series is separated into four divisions by gait and sex. Conditions are the same for each division: non-winners of one pari-mutuel race (Ohio-sired non-winners of two) or $10,000 lifetime through March 31, 2022. Click here for series dates and conditions.
 
There is a one-time $200 entry fee for the series, payable the night of a horse's first start. There will be four $7,500 legs and a $20,000 guaranteed final for each division. No pre-nomination is necessary, and horses can join in the series in any leg. Horses do not have to race in all four legs, including the opening leg, to qualify for the final.
 
Draws for the Iron Maiden, begin Tuesday morning (April 5) for the filly and mare pacers, to be raced Saturday night (April 9). Next up is the draw for horse and gelding pacers Wednesday morning (April 6) to be raced Sunday evening (April 10). The horse and gelding trotters will be drawn Thursday morning (April 7) to be raced on the evening of Tuesday, April 12 and finally the opening leg filly and mare trotters will be drawn Friday morning (April 8) to be raced on the evening of Wednesday, April 13.
 
For more information, contact Director of Racing Dave Bianconi at [email protected] or call the race office at 330-467-4101 ext. 52.

(MGM Northfield Park)