by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Sunday (Nov. 3) is opening day of the 2013-2014 season at Dover Downs. The six-month long meet continues through April 10, 2014.

Many of the sport’s top horses and drivers will compete in the Delaware Capital City raceway’s 45th season. Race secretary Rod Newhart again directs the highly competitive 107 programs.

Dover Downs begins an outstanding “Novemberfest of Stakes Races” on Nov. 10, with more than $4 million in stakes purses featuring the sport’s top 2- and 3-year-olds in Matron Stakes eliminations. The top eight finishers in each event return on Nov. 17 for lucrative finals.

On Nov.24, the estimated $400,000 Progress Pace — the track’s marqueee event — showcases the sport’s standout 3-year-olds. After $35,000 elims, the top eight return for an estimated $330,000 final on Dec. 1.

Also during November, the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund freshman divisions feature two weeks of $20,000 preliminaries, setting up a $100,000 final in each of the sections.

Defending champion Corey Callahan seeks his fifth consecutive leading driver title. His competition includes a strong group of prominent horsemen. Among them are former track leading drivers Tony Morgan and Jim Morand; Ross Wolfenden and George Dennis,co-leading drivers at Harrington; Allan Davis, Daryl and Sean Bier, Victor Kirby, Roger Plante, Eddie Davis Jr. and Montrell Teague. Again this meet, Tim Tetrick and Hall of Famer Ron Pierce are expected to drive several nights a week.

During the early stages of the upcoming meet, many of the sport’s most heralded drivers are expected to be on hand for the strong stakes events including Hall of Famer John Campbell, Brian Sears, David Miller, Jim Morrill, Jr. and Andy Miller.

Monday through Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m. Sunday racing starts at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday will be dark days.

As usual, parking and admission to Dover Downs racing is free. For those choosing to dine in the popular Winner’s Circle Restaurant, reservations are suggested. Call 302.674.4600. In addition to fine cuisine in the Winner’s Circle Restaurant, a variety of food and drinks are available at The Race and Sports Book in the Colonnade.

For those racing a horse at the track and looking for first-class overnight accommodations, the four-star, 500-room Dover Downs Hotel is adjacent to the racetrack. It is suggested to make reservations early.

Year around, Dover Downs’ Race and Sports Book presents leading Thoroughbred and harness tracks for simulcasting from 12 Noon until 12 Midnight daily as well as three-game NFL parlay wagering. Information is available at 302.674.4600.