The countdown is on to the first Saturday in May, as Hanover Raceway is set to open its 48th season of live pari-mutuel harness racing

.

"Although the (Ontario) government has announced the end of the slots-at-racetracks program next April, we will continue has per normal for 2012," Hanover Raceway General Manager Gord Dougan said via release.

Hanover will feature a promotion-packed season with 300 free Hanover Raceway ball caps with the purchase of a program on site. Hanover Raceway’s simulcast restaurant will feature the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs all afternoon.

Saturday, May 12 is Ladies Night in celebration of Mothers Day. Ladies can enter to win one of six prizes courtesy of the Dolce Vita Spa and The Flower Shoppe and Greenhouses in Hanover.

Saturday, May 19 is Hockeyville night, when kids can enter to win one of four bicycles courtesy of Hanover Raceway and Hanover Canadian Tire.

To view the harness racing entries for Saturday at Hanover, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Hanover Raceway.

(With files from Hanover)