by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Dover Downs’ 39th season swings into action next week with the the first draw of the meet on Monday, October 22, for horses racing on the opening day program, Sunday, October 28. The opening day and daily box closes at 12:00 Noon.

The 2007-08 meet features 15 races daily, six days a week, with Fridays dark, for six consecutive months. Meet closing day is Thursday, April 10, 2008.

Non-racing days are Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22; the Christmas holiday week, December 21-December 28; Super Bowl Sunday, February 3, 2008; and Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008.

Race secretary Don Knapton’s condition sheet lists the following featured events on early week cards: Mondays-$35,000 Preferred Pace, $32,500 Delaware Special and $26,000 Open Paces; Tuesdays-$26,000 Filly and Mare Open Pace; and Wednesdays-$26,000 Open Trot.

Please note that the first week Dover Downs draw schedule is as follows: Monday 10/22 for Sunday, 10/28-box closes at 10:00 a.m.; Tuesday 10/23 for Monday 10/29-box closes at 10:00 a.m.; Wednesday 10/24 for Tuesday 10/30-box closes at 12:00 Noon (also draw for qualifiers (10/25) same day at same time); Thursday 10/25 for Wednesday 10/31-box closes at 12:00 Noon; Friday 10/26-no draw; Saturday 10/27-no draw; Sunday 10/28 for Thursday 11/1-box closes at 12:00 Noon (this is where the normal daily draw schedule begins).

The regular draw schedule then becomes:
Saturday for Wednesday
Sunday for Thursday
Monday for Saturday
Tuesday for Sunday
Wednesday for Monday
Thursday for Tuesday

Please Note: The entry box and scratch time is 12:00 Noon.