from Running Aces Harness Park

Columbus, MN — Stall applications are now available for the fourth season at Running Aces Harness Park and must be submitted prior to the April 15 deadline for consideration.

Opening night in 2011 is May 31 with the meet ending on August 27. A total of 51 programs will be presented on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday nights with a 7 p.m. (CST) post time.

Purse projections call for an approximate six percent increase over 2010 levels. The anticipated $36,000 average daily purse allocation for overnight races will allow for an average of $4,000 per race on the nine-race programs. An additional purse allocation in excess of $200,000 will be used to supplement races restricted to Minnesota-sired horses.

“We anticipate another great racing season,” predicted Director of Racing Gregg Keidel. “I expect a full barn area contributing to exciting, competitive races for our growing number of Running Aces’ fans to enjoy. Last year we were able to add a race to each program, increase the average number of starters to 8.1, and expand our simulcast network which resulted in our overall handle almost tripling. I would expect the annual progress we’ve shown to continue as we attract better horses and add a couple more accomplished drivers and trainers each season.”

Unfortunately, Running Aces has just 251 stalls in its three modern barns. Stall space will likely be limited to a maximum of 12 per individual owner or trainer. Trainers with a high starts-to-stalls ratio at Running Aces in 2010 will be given stall preference followed by new trainers with a very high percentage of qualified horses.

“We have a very good group of horsemen who already produce a well-received product,” Keidel said, “but we try to squeeze a new stable or two in with each annual allocation. Because stall space is so limited, trainers are also welcome to secure nearby farm stalls and ship-in to jog and train in the mornings if we can’t accomodate all or part of their stall application. In addition, several county fair training centers with half-mile tracks that are about an hour away have stalls available to rent.”

Interested trainers can obtain a stall application online at www.runningacesharness.com, under racing resources. Applications can also be mailed to those who request one by e-mailing gkeidel@runningacesharness.com.