Miami Valley Raceway is positioned for an outstanding repeat performance, including an even higher overnight purse structure than last season, thus making the meet one of the highest purse structures in harness racing.
Following a fourth season of record handle and purse growth, high expectations among horsemen and fans have become the new standard.
Over $14 million in purses will be offered within the 87-day meet, which is sure to foster a competitive racing with great wagering value.
Ohio’s premier boutique harness meet will begin on January 5 and will continue through May 7, five days a week, featuring Sunday, Monday, Tuesday matinees at 2:05 p.m. and evening racing Friday and Saturday at 6:05 p.m. Plan now to be in on the action.
OHHA representative Bret Merkle has said that, “in the eyes of the horsemen, Miami Valley comes the closest to the vibe generations before us knew racing to be: good times, amazing people such a pleasure to race in a positive atmosphere.”
The North American Drivers Challenge II will kick off Miami Valley’s Winter Festival on January 7, 8, and 9. North America’s top drivers will compete for $25,000 in awards as defending champion Doug McNair will look to defend his title.
Multiple events are planned to foster outstanding racing and wagering value for horsemen and fans. Cornerstones of this year’s Winter Festival include:
• $700,000 (est.) Claim to Fame Series: 10 lucrative series for $5,000, $8,000, $12,500 and $20,000 claimers
• $200,000 (est.) Elite Survivor Series: Brand new three-week elimination tourney to crown best $10,000 claimer
• $200,000 (est.) Classic Survivor Series: Popular annual four-week elimination tourney for $5,000 claimers
• $600,000 (est.) Lebanon Legends Series: nine condition series honoring notable former SW Ohio horsemen
April will usher in Miami Valley’s Spring Festival, thus building to the traditional season finale or the Ohio Sire Stakes leading towards Grand Circuit racing and the return of the Scarlet and Gray invitational.
• $150,000 (est.) James Hackett Memorial for fillies: traditional tune-up for three-year-old stakes season
• $150,000 (est.) James Hackett Memorial for colts: traditional tune-up for three-year-old stakes season
• $200,000 (est.) Spring Scarlet & Gray Invitational races: Ohio’s best three-year-olds head-to-head
• $500,000 (est.) Ohio Sires Stakes for three-year-old fillies: first major test of the 2017 stakes season
• $500,000 (est.) Ohio Sires Stakes for three-year-old colts: first major test of the 2017 stakes season
• $100,000 (est.) Grand Circuit - Chip Noble Memorial: the best pacing mares in the world
• $100,000 (est.) Grand Circuit - Miami Valley Distaff: the best trotting mares in the world
The voice himself, Roger Huston, has said that “Miami Valley Raceway has emerged as a big league track with a small town feel,” and “one of my favourite ovals period… Be there!”
(Miami Valley)