On Monday, February 6, the Meadows announced its 2012 stakes schedule, a rich program which will offer more than $6.8 million (est.) in purses
and feature both the 46th edition of the Delvin Miller Adios and all four Pennsylvania championships for two-year-olds.
“This is a compelling, attractive schedule for horsemen and fans alike,” said Mike Jeannot, president, Meadows Racing. “It demonstrates the robust state of harness racing at the Meadows and throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
Eliminations for the Adios, which will offer a total estimated purse of $600,000, are scheduled for the evening of Saturday, July 21, with the July 28 final headlining a Grand Circuit stakes-packed afternoon card which will also include the $150,000 Quinton Patterson Adioo Volo for three-year-old pacing fillies, the $100,000 Gov. David Lawrence for freshman pacing colts and geldings, and the $100,000 Catherine Baker Knoll for two-year-old pacing fillies (note to horse owners: The $600 final sustaining payment for the Adios is due no later than February 15).
Other highlights of the stakes schedule include:
- The four Pennsylvania Sires Stakes freshman championships on Friday, September 7. Each division will feature a $200,000 final and a $50,000 consolation (purses for the card will total well over $1 million).
- The Currier & Ives, the Meadows’ signature early-season test for three-year-old trotters. The open division is set for Tuesday, June 5, while the fillies will battle Monday, June 25. Each event will carry a $100,000 purse.
- The Saturday, October 13 Pennsylvania Fairs Finals, which will include a $20,000 championship in each of the eight divisions. As always, the Meadows and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association will stage a variety of family-oriented activities which help make the fairs finals one of the most popular stops on the stakes schedule.
(Meadows)