With the overwhelming consensus among horsemen being that politicians know little or nothing about the horse-racing industry, one track is doing its best to get the pols on-track, literally.
Free T-shirts, a match race between two state legislators, a $250 second-chance drawing, a chance to meet one of the track’s all-time equine greats --- they’re all part of the 'Summer Slam' hosted Friday evening by the Meadows Racetrack & Casino and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association.
The Summer Slam, which will accompany Friday’s live card, features an appealing variety of events, many of them especially for kids. The t-shirts will be given away by New Vocations, an agency that retrains retired standardbreds and thoroughbreds. In honour of the organization, the seventh race has been designated the 'New Vocations Pace.'
The match race --- in jog carts and with the assistance of experienced drivers --- pits PA Sen. Tim Solobay and PA Rep. Brandon Neuman, who were part of a legislative group that toured the Meadows barn area Thursday. They’ll be battling for bragging rights for their respective chambers.
Sharp Kosmos, one of the track’s most popular performers in his prime, will preside over the festivities and lead the post parade for the New Vocations Pace. Campaigned by Lewis and Cherie Keith, Sharp Kosmos broke Rambling Willies record for career 2:00 wins with his 80th such victory on Dec. 10, 1994. Pilgrims Fiery is the current record-holder with 111.
Other Summer Slam activities include:
- Bounce house and inflatable slides;
- A meet & greet session with Meadows drivers;
- Starting gate and jog cart rides;
- A visit from the Washington Wild Things mascot;
- A $250 second-chance drawing from among losing tickets (winner must be present);
- A DJ on the Terrace Patio;
- Handicapping and cornhole contests
First post is 6:55 p.m.
(The Meadows)