The James K. Hackett Memorials, which have signaled the opening of the Ohio stakes racing season for decades, are right around the corner at Miami Valley Raceway.
Originally introduced at old Lebanon Raceway, the Hackett Memorial was picked up by Miami Valley when it opened nine years ago and has been expanded over those years to include divisions for all four categories of Ohio-sired three-year-olds.
“We were pleased with the response to the Hacketts again this year,” said Gregg Keidel, race secretary at Miami Valley. “There were 125 nominations, divided almost equally between pacers and trotters, colts and fillies. We raised the elimination race purses from $15,000 to $20,000 this year, plus the finals will race for $50,000 in 2022 versus $40,000 in 2021. These races are a preview of what patrons will see in the first legs of the Buckeye Stallion Series and the Ohio Sires Stakes, both of which will be featured the week following the Hackett finals here at Miami Valley.”
Due to Miami Valley being dark on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend, there are some minor changes in the draw schedule. Trainers of Hackett-eligible horses are advised to make special note of the days horses need to be entered, as follows:
- Three-year-old filly trotters – Enter Thursday, April 14 by noon for eliminations on Monday, April 18
- Three-year-old filly pacers – Enter Friday, April 15 by noon for eliminations on Tuesday, April 19
- Three-year-old colt trotters – Enter Friday, April 15 by 2 p.m. for eliminations on Wednesday, April 20
- Three-year-old colt pacers – Enter Monday, April 18 by noon for eliminations on Thursday, April 21
(Miami Valley Raceway)