Officials with Miami Valley Raceway have announced that the track will soon be introducing 18 additional new late-closing events to be contested in February, March and early April.

The track, in just its second season, seeks to honour the great harness racing tradition in southwest Ohio by naming these series after prominent and accomplished deceased or retired people and horses that either got their start or competed successfully over a long period of time in the region.

Human nominees can be former drivers, trainers, owners or racing officials. In addition to notable ex-racehorses, successful stallions that stood locally will be considered.

A committee of five long-time southwest Ohio horsemen will be appointed soon to review the nominations and make naming recommendations. Any names submitted and not selected will be saved for future consideration.

Horsepeople and fans are welcome to make nominations via email to [email protected] or by submitting suggested names to the race office in person or via phone at 513-934-7792.

The deadline for nominations is January 25, so please act quickly.

(With files from Miami Valley Raceway)