Many of the most valuable and sought after
stakes not previously on the Grand Circuit roster will now join the “Circuit”
and be included in the brand. Several racetracks that had not previously been
member tracks and a few that had lapsed have agreed to join and consider their
non-state restricted stakes as GC races. Those tracks include Yonkers Raceway,
Northfield Park, Saratoga Harness, Hazel Park and Red Shores Racetrack and
Casino (home of the Gold Cup & Saucer). Dover Downs and Harrah’s
Philadelphia will return after a brief absence. All tracks that race open
stakes now considered as Grand Circuit races either are currently or have
agreed to be member tracks.
“Many of the sport’s top races had not
previously been considered as Grand Circuit events. Now, with that distinction
we hope to help create better awareness of our top races and provide the tracks
with a more promotable product,” Campbell stated.
“I recently read an account of Dan Patch’s
career and many of the stakes he won held the Grand Circuit designation at
tracks now long gone. It added to the excitement of those races. We hope to
help recreate the some of the enthusiasm of those times in our modern product.”
A brand new Grand Circuit logo has been
created by Stolz-Mead Global services. This logo will be made available to all
member tracks in the hope that it will be included in the program for GC events
and on any trophy coolers presented to those stake winners.
A formula has been devised to track the
success of all owners, trainers and drivers in GC races and will be kept toward
year end awards. Having a running “score card” charting the performance of the
top athletes in racing, both equine and human, should add a new layer of
interest to the season’s most cherished races.
The historic Delvin Miller Grand Circuit
medallion will be presented to the winners, along with an prize of considerable
value yet to be determined made possible by the generosity of award sponsor Hanover Shoe Farms.
More information will be made available as
the details are finalized.
