by Mike Bozich, for Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack

Chester, PA — Harrah’s Philadelphia will host a power-packed racing program on Sunday (May 29) with a post time of 12:40 p.m.

There will be three Invitational events, each with a purse of $200,000, as well as an Open Pace offering $50,000. The card also includes two conditioned events each with a $25,000 bounty to the winner.

The racing office will be drawing post positions for all events on Tuesday (May 24).

The Maxie Lee Memorial Trot is named after long-time horsemen Maxie Lee. A native of North Carolina, Lee made a name for himself as a trainer and driver in the Philadelphia area at Liberty Bell and Brandywine. He had back-to-back Delaware Valley Harness Horse of the Year winners in the mid-1970s with Black Gamecock and Valley Ken. In 1990, Lee became the first African-American with a starter in the Hambletonian, with the Peter Haughton winner Backstreet Guy. Last year’s Maxie Lee was won by Father Patrick, who is a multiple Dan Patch and O’Brien award winner, in addition to being a world champion.

The Betsy Ross is an Invitational event for filly and mare pacers. The Philadelphia seamstress is widely credited with making the first American Flag in 1776. Last year’s Betsy Ross was the stage for a tremendous stretch duel between winner Radar Contact and one of the richest pacing mares of all time Anndrovette, who is a past winner and multiple Dan Patch champion.

The Dorothy Mullin Invitational for colt and gelding pacers is named after the long-time employee at Liberty Bell’s Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission office. Working there for its entire 1963-1985 lifetime, Mullin was a stalwart during many changes at the northeast Philadelphia track, which was one of the nation’s outstanding raceways during the 1960s and 1970s. Serving as an executive assistant and secretary, she made many friends through the years, and was one of the last devotees to using the art of shorthand in her work.

The free-for-all event will have a new name each year, changing to honor outstanding contributors and noteworthy figures from the history of harness racing in the greater Delaware Valley area, especially those who were of primary importance in the era of Liberty Bell and/or Brandywine.

Among the pacing and trotting superstars expected to be perform on this outstanding day of Pennsylvania racing include: Wiggle It Jiggleit, Rockin Ron, J L Cruze and Bit Of A Legend N.

The Riverview Terrace will be open for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Also available will be face painting, a balloon artist, prize giveaways, and many other family friendly activities.

There is also a $10,000 guaranteed Pick-Four with a 50-cent minimum and a takeout rate on all wagers of a mere 15 percent commences with the ninth race nine.