by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Meadow Lands, PA — The Adios is back at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino.

Following a one-year hiatus, when Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs graciously staged the event during racino construction at The Meadows, the Delvin Miller Adios has returned to its home track, with its customary compelling blend of top-quality harness racing and fun-filled special events.

The Adios will offer a total purse estimated at $820,000, richest in the 43-year history of the race. For the first time at The Meadows, the Pace for the Orchids will feature eliminations and a final on separate days, an innovation introduced last year at Pocono Downs to enhance the event’s attractiveness to horsemen.

Adios eliminations (to be drawn Tuesday, July 21) are set for Friday, July 24, with the final and $50,000 consolation to go Saturday, Aug. 1. Those cards will open and headline an Adios Week packed with exciting activities.

Following a break for the weekend of July 25-26, Adios Week continues on Monday, July 27, with Grand Circuit stake racing featured Monday through Thursday. The finest 2- and 3-year-old pacers and trotters will compete for big-time purses.

On Friday, July 31, The Meadows will offer four $50,000 invitational races, with Pennsylvania-owned or sired horses preferred. First post that day and for both Adios cards is 12:15 p.m. All other Adios Week cards begin at 6:20 p.m.

The Adios card on Aug. 1 will be one of the most powerful ever offered by The Meadows, with purses for many of the races enriched by a contribution from the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association. In addition to the Adios final and consolation, the schedule that day includes the $225,000 Quinton Patterson Adioo Volo for 3-year-old filly pacers; the $100,000 Gov. Lawrence for 2-year-old colt pacers, and the debut of the Catherine Baker Knoll, a $100,000 event for 2-year-old filly pacers. That race honors the memory of the late Catherine Baker Knoll, former Pennsylvania lieutenant governor.

Other Adios Week highlights include Fan Appreciation Day on Friday, July 31, as well as drawings for such prizes as:

• Starting Gate Rides. Winners will ride along with the official race starter and view a race from that unique vantage point.
• Skybox For A Day. The winner and his or her guests will enjoy the use of a luxurious Meadows Racetrack & Casino skybox on a date of the winner’s choosing.
• Hambletonian Trip. The final of harness racing’s premier trot is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. The winner receives an expense-paid trip to the Hambletonian.

Prior to the races on Aug. 1, The Meadows will join other dignitaries in unveiling a historical marker to pay tribute to Delvin Miller, who founded the track in 1963 and stood the incomparable stallion Adios. The marker will be located adjacent to the racino’s vehicular entrance.