Miami Valley Raceway will kick off its third season of live harness racing this weekend with 14-race programs on both Saturday night, starting at 6:05 p.m., and Sunday afternoon, with a 2:05 p.m. post time. A total of 250 horses will be chasing total purses of $266,000 on opening weekend.
"Record purses attract record numbers of horses," exclaimed Race Secretary Gregg Keidel. "We will be presenting powerful race cards throughout this 86-day meet, starting right from the get-go on Saturday. All of our top drivers and a large majority of the best horses from 2015 are returning, plus we have a huge influx of new quality horses and several new talented reinsmen who plan to call Miami Valley their winter home. This has the makings of a very competitive season...one that harness racing patrons should really enjoy!"
A $20,000 Open Pace highlights the Saturday venue, supported by nine other races carrying purses of $10,000 to $15,000 on a strong undercard. Dayton track record holder Penn will put his three-race win streak on the line in a $20,000 Open Trot on Sunday afternoon.
Matinee racing will also be presented on Monday and Tuesday afternoons at Miami Valley in 2016 with a standard 2:05 p.m. first race post time. The initial Monday program includes an all-time Ohio record of 10 divisions in Miami Valley's version of the popular 'Survivor Series.' A total of 93 horses have entered the four-week tournament-style showdown for $5,000 claiming pacers, with only the top finishers each week surviving to the next round--until one horse is crowned champion and earns the winner's share of a $20,000 purse on February 1.
In addition to record purses, better horses, a deep and talented driver colony and new post times, Miami Valley is also unveiling a host of new wagering opportunities, including Rolling Daily Doubles in races one through seven, the Lucky Pick 5 beginning in race eight, and a 10-cent Buckeye Hi-Five in the 12th race. The Lucky Pick 5 is offered on twinspires.com with 0% takeout. The Buckeye Hi-Five wager has a potential carryover pool, which could attract additional attention and regular patrons to the Miami Valley program.
The Miami Valley staff and its horsemen and women are all lined up and rearin' to go. They welcome you to be there when the gates swing open on the new season Saturday at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Miami Valley Raceway)