While 98 outstanding older horses have already made nominating and sustaining payments totalling $3,000 each, it is not too late to make a “catch-up nomination” of $10,000 to get eligible for one of three $175,000 guaranteed Dayton Derbies to be held on Oct. 3 at Hollywood Dayton Raceway.
“Due to the COVID-19 issue this year, many horses may have gotten a late start or had their stakes nominations reduced or cancelled,” reasoned race secretary Gregg Keidel. “This supplemental nomination opportunity, which has been in the race conditions for two years, may be ideal for razor sharp horses peaking at the right time.”
All three races — the Dayton Trotting Derby (both sexes), Dayton Pacing Derby and Dayton Distaff Derby — will be showcased on the same evening and feature the nine highest 2020 money earners that enter. In the event more than nine enter any event, those that fail to earn a berth due to the earnings condition will get a full refund of all paid in fees.
“This is the first year for the Distaff Derby and it is not often open mares get to race for $175,000. If you’ve missed the normal nomination process with a top-notch pacing mare (or other horse), we invite you to ‘catch up’ via this unique supplemental nomination opportunity and come visit our beautiful facility in southwest Ohio on Oct. 3,” said director of racing Jason Bluhm.
Supplemental nominations must be postmarked by Aug. 15 and sent to the Hambletonian Society, 109 South Main St., Suite 18, Cranbury, NJ 08512-3174.
(Hollywood Dayton Raceway)