Bolstered by strong numbers for the casino operation and record numbers on the racing side in 2022, Running Aces has just announced a 20 per cent across-the-board purse increase, which begins with the condition sheet for Sunday, Aug. 21 and continues through the rest of the season.

The increase will lift the bottom purse amount from $5,000 to $6,000 and the top purse amounts (for the Open Handicap races) from $16,500 to $19,800. Open II events will now go for an impressive $15,600, and the top money condition level (currently non-winners of $7,000 in last four) will now go for $15,000.

In addition to the increase in the overnight purse structure, Running Aces, in cooperation with Minnesota Harness Racing, Inc., has also announced three new feature races for closing weekend of the 2022 season. The three added races are invitational events for top horses at the meet and will go for $25,000 each. The new events include the $25,000 ‘Banker Volo’ Invitational Trot, The $25,000 ‘Goody Two Socks’ Invitational Pace and the $25,000 ‘Dandy Di’ Invitational Fillies & Mares Pace. These three events, along with the Minnesota-sired consolation races, will highlight the special Friday night racing program on Sept. 16, the eve of the Night of Champions program.

The Banker Volo Invitational will be contested at a distance of a mile and a quarter, whereas the other two races will be contested at a mile. Invitees for these special races will be notified the week prior to the events.

Live harness racing continues at Running Aces every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday through Sept. 13, and Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17. First post at Running Aces is 7 p.m. (CDT).

(Running Aces)