Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack announced on Monday, Nov. 24 the race dates for its 2026 meet, the 19th in the track's history, which have been approved by the Minnesota Racing Commission. 

The excitement of live harness racing will get underway on Sunday, May 17 and will conclude on Saturday, Sept. 19, with a total of 55 nights of racing on tap. 

The racing schedule will be similar to the last couple of seasons, featuring live action three nights per week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday nights. The only exception is during the final week of the season, in which Thursday, Sept. 17 will be dark in preparation for the special Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19 cards featuring the Minnesota Night of Champions festivities. Post time for all Tuesday evening cards will be 7 p.m. (CDT), while post time for all other race nights will be at 6 p.m. (CDT). 

Total purses for the 2026 meet are projected to surpass $6 million USD as they have during the track's previous four seasons. The Minnesota five-eighths mile oval will again include highlights such as the Dan Patch (Free-For-All pacers), Ron Banks Memorial (Filies & Mares Free-For-All pacers) and Steve Wiseman Memorial (Free-For-All trotters). As always, all eyes are pointed to the final night of the meet on Sept. 19, the Minnesota Night of Champions. In 2025, a track record equalling single-card total of $780,000 USD was distributed on closing night to the best and brightest stars of the Minnesota-sired program.

Additional featured race nights and promotions will be announced closer to the start of the season. 

The stable area is scheduled to open on Saturday, May 2 to enhance the Kentucky Derby Day festivities scheduled to take place at Running Aces that day. The first pre-season qualifying session is scheduled for Thursday, May 7.

Running Aces plans to begin accepting stalls applications in mid-January for the 2026 racing season. 

Questions regarding stall applications, race conditions or any other racing related inquiries should be directed to Racing Director Steve Carpenito by calling 651-925-4532 or by emailing [email protected].

(Running Aces)