Lexington, KY. - As spring turns to summer and stakes season kicks into high gear
the anticipation begins for one of harness racing’s great traditions, the
annual fortnight of Grand Circuit racing at Lexington, Kentucky’s historic Red
Mile harness track. Unmatched in all the sport, the beauty of race horses
floating across the clay surface set against a background of local foliage on a
warm autumn afternoon makes the Red Mile experience unique.
The racetrack itself, with the natural footing its composition provides, allows horses
to perform at a level beyond their scope at other venues. It is the main
attraction to those trainers who covet the opportunity to race their prospects
at The Red Mile and has been the stage for many of the sport’s most cherished
performances.
Again
this fall, the best of the best will make the trek to horse country to match
their skills on the Lexington clay oval. The 121st Kentucky Futurity,
final leg of the Trotting Triple Crown, is set for closing Sunday. The
$500,000e Tattersalls Pace promises to be as great an affair as the 2012
edition where a dozen of the fastest pacers in the sport squared off in a
thriller.
The
freshman crop begins to find their form just about the time the Fall Trots
arrive. Each year, the Bluegrass and International Stallion stakes help to
identify the true prospects for the balance of the racing season. First crop
sires look to Lexington to validate their progeny for the upcoming sales.
As vital as
The Red Mile is to harness racing, considering both the irreplaceable history
and current importance as both a racing and sales venue, it needs your help and
patronage to survive. There is no alternative gaming to fund the purses or the
cost of operations. The Red Mile is forbidden by law to accept wagers on
thoroughbred races, an integral revenue producer for all racetracks.
The
schedule for the 2013 Grand Circuit Late Closers will be made available in the
near future, offering races for those not competing in the major stakes.
If you haven't had the pleasure of a trip to Lexington in the
fall, please accept our invitation to join this celebration of
harness racing’s finest in September.
This
year’s Championship Meet begins on Thursday, September 26 with an evening post
time of 7:00pm. Night racing continues through Saturday, September 28 and is
followed by a matinee (1:00pm) card on Sunday, September 29. Week two features
all afternoon racing with a post time of 1:00pm on Thursday, October 3 through
Sunday, October 6. A full slate of Late Closers will be offered soon with a
close of nominations by September 15.
The Lexington Selected
Yearling Sale, where champions are
sold, begins on Tuesday, October 1 and continues at 7:00pm each evening through
Saturday.
Visit The Red Mile website for information on this season’s calendar and events or call
(859) 255-0752.
