Oak Grove Racing and Gaming is readying for its 2025 season with qualifiers on March 18 ahead of the extended pari-mutuel meeting that runs from March 24 through July 16.

Racing Secretary Kevin Mack promises a record-breaking year with a strong balance of lucrative stakes events and overnight races, including events for the United States Harness Drivers Club (USHDC), which according to Mack, “plays such an important role in our community to keep our sport in the limelight during the sunlight!”

Mack added, “Our lucrative stakes season gets underway with the four-year-olds in the opening leg of the Kentucky Sire Stakes on April 21 going for $50,000 [USD] each for the mares and horses and geldings all vying for a spot in the $100,000 [USD] finals on May 11.”

The four-year-olds will remain in the spotlight for a second round of action from late May through June with the $150,000 USD finals on June 24.

“The two and three year-olds will get their season underway in late June as well, with a pair of $40,000 [USD] legs and the eight finals going for $100,000 [USD] each,” explained Mack.

There will also be eight consolation $25,000 USD events as the Oak Grove season nears its closing date.

Mack expects to present a strong overnight purse program during this season with many top stables gracing the racetrack with the track’s lucrative purse structure.

Yet another cause of optimism for the Oak Grove meeting will be the participation of the aforementioned USHDC.

As Mack said, “Maybe some don’t realize it, but the participation of the amateur club plays a significant role in the success here at Oak Grove. First, it gives our patrons a great understanding of our sport and what goes on to put a horse on the track. Rides in the starting gate and visits to the announcers booth bring new fans to our track and, top things off, trips to our winner’s circle when donations are made to great causes spreads a positive aura that [covers] many miles from the track…an incalculable amount of good will.”

Indeed, the USHDC has donated well over $320,000 USD to viable organizations since its inception and looks to vigorously add to that total during this meet.

As USHDC President Dein Spriggs said, “It’s all possible because of Kevin Mack and Cara Collins and their unwavering support for our club and its many members who unselfishly donate 100 per cent of their driving fees won in our races to charitable causes.

“By the way, all amateur drivers from any amateur club meeting the requirements of Oak Grove Racing and Gaming and their judges are invited to participate in our amateur events. They are just an amazing part of our grand sport!"

Interested amateur drivers may contact Tom Eichas at 1-561-573-6123 for details.

(USHDC and Oak Grove Racing & Gaming)