Ocean Downs Casino has announced its 48-date spring/summer schedule for 2019, which will see several ‘something old, something new’ items offered.
The racing season will get underway on Sunday, June 2 and will continue through Monday, September 2 (Labour Day). The schedule will consist of a Sunday-Monday-Wednesday-Thursday date rotation, with the exception of the early weeks.
“We are excited and looking forward to the 2019 racing season here at Ocean Downs,” said Bobbi Sample, Ocean Downs Casino’s general manager, “including daytime racing on Saturday, June 8 – the same day as the Belmont Stakes.”
The race card on Belmont Day will begin a 12:35 p.m. (post times will be inserted in between the Belmont races).
“Our marketing and racing team are working hard at making this the best season yet,” said Sample, “with fireworks displays set for Monday, July 1, 2019 and Sunday, September 1, 2019. We are also negotiating with some of the great promotional acts of last year to return this season, including racing camels, ostriches, pigs and dachshunds, that were well received last season.”
Leading drivers Jonathan Roberts, Frank Milby and Russell Foster are expected to return in 2019, along with top-notch conditioners Arlene Cameron, Shaun Callahan and Mike Hall.
“ We are also looking to add a new wrinkle or two into the mix,” said the track’s director of racing, Peter Szymanski. “Our mile and a sixteenth races and mile and quarter races proved to be a big hit with the betting public.
“And a few new claiming series will be added to the condition sheets, which will spice up the local horse population and generate some new interest.”
Post time for the majority of the season will remain at 7:05 p.m. There will be no racing on Thursday, July 4 and Thursday, July 25.
(With files from Ocean Downs Casino)