Harrah's Philadelphia will be host to a power-packed harness racing program next Sunday, May 29, with a post time of 12:40 p.m.
There will be three Invitationals, each going for a purse of $200,000, as well as an Open Pace going for $50,000, and two Winner's Over events (one for trotters and the other for filly and mare pacers) going for a purse of $25,000. The race office will be drawing post positions for all events on Tuesday (May 24).
The Maxie Lee Memorial Trot is named after longtime horsemen Maxie Lee. A native of North Carolina, Lee made a name for himself as a trainer and driver in the Philadelphia area at Liberty Bell and Brandywine. He had back-to-back Delaware Valley Harness Horse of the Year winners in the mid-1970s with Black Gamecock and Valley Ken. In 1990, Lee became the first African-American with a starter in the Hambletonian, with the Peter Haughton winner Backstreet Guy. Last year's Maxie Lee was won by Father Patrick, who was a Dan Patch and O'Brien Award winner in his career.
The Betsy Ross is an invitational event for filly and mare pacers. The Philadelphia seamstress is widely credited with making the first American Flag in 1776. Last year's Betsy Ross was the stage for a tremendous stretch duel between winner Radar Contact and one of the richest pacing mares of all time, Anndrovette, who has won the race in the past.
The Dorothy Mullin Invitational for colt and gelding pacers is named after the longtime employee at Liberty Bell's Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission office. Working there for its entire 1963-1985 lifetime, Mullin was a stalwart during many changes at the northeast Philadelphia track, which was one of the nation’s outstanding raceways during the 1960s and 1970s. Serving as an executive assistant and secretary, she made many friends through the years, and was one of the last devotees to using the art of shorthand in her work. The free-for-all event will have a new name each year, changing to honour outstanding contributors and noteworthy figures from the history of harness racing in the greater Delaware Valley area, especially those who were of primary importance in the era of Liberty Bell and/or Brandywine.
Among the pacing and trotting superstars expected to be present for this big day of racing include Wiggle It Jiggleit, Rockin Ron, J L Cruze, Bit Of A Legend N, and many more.
The Riverview Terrace will be open for lunch between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. There will also be a face painter, a balloon artist, prize giveaways, and many other family friendly activities. There will also be a $10,000 guaranteed Pick 4 with a 50-cent minimum and 15 percent takeout starting with race nine.
(Harrah's Philadelphia)