Two new races at Oak Grove Racing will turn out to be certainly one of Kentucky’s largest harness races when Churchill Downs opens the Oak Grove Racing Competition on the observe simply north of Fort Campbell close to the Tennessee border.
Monitor officers hope the brand new $500,000 Oak Grove Trotting Derby and $300,000 Oak Grove Trotting Oaks will function vital preparation for the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks, respectively. These prestigious races are what the Kentucky Derby and Oaks are to Standardbreds.
“The expansion and pleasure in Kentucky harness racing bodes properly for the game as an entire,” CDI President Invoice Mudd stated in a information launch. “Establishing this signature occasion additional solidifies Oak Grove as a premier horse racing and leisure vacation spot. With regular progress in purses and race days and a concentrate on delivering a superior fan expertise, the Oak Grove Competition of Racing is an thrilling subsequent step.”
The ultimate of the brand new race can be Saturday, Could sixteenth, with eliminations on Monday, Could 4th. Historically, the Monday after the Kentucky Derby is a robust day for Oak Grove.
Not like thoroughbred racing, which limits the variety of entries, most harness stakes permit all horses nominated to run, with exclusions to find out the ultimate spot. As much as 9 starters will compete in every qualifying and closing race.
Churchill took further steps to make manner for the Trotting Derby and Oaks, guaranteeing entry and masking the charges for winners of sure preparatory races.
“Harness racing in Kentucky has made a exceptional resurgence, fueled by a dynamic and united partnership with the groups at Oak Grove and Churchill Downs,” Kenny Jackson of the Kentucky Harness Affiliation stated in a launch. “This partnership permits us to reclaim our title because the harnessing capital of the world. We look ahead to this thrilling new occasion kickstarting the game’s annual custom throughout North America and past, drawing new followers and contributors to the thrilling world of harness racing.”
