by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — The Meadows Racetrack & Casino today announced its 2011 stakes schedule, which will offer an estimated total of $7.86 million in purses and the final of the track’s signature event, the Delvin Miller Adios, on Saturday, July 30.

Eliminations of the Adios, the 45th edition of the prestigious event for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers, will go on Saturday, July 23. The final the following week will carry an estimated purse of $500,000 and anchor a power-packed card that also includes the $50,000 Adios consolation, the $225,000 Quinton Patterson Adioo Volo for 3-year-old filly pacers and the $125,000 Arden Downs for freshman colt and gelding pacers. The “Pace for the Orchids” is the culmination of Grand Circuit Week at The Meadows, which kicks off Monday, July 25.

Purses for this year’s stakes are up nearly 22 percent over the total for the 2010 stakes program, an increase Meadows Racing President Mike Jeannot attributes to the robust state of racing at The Meadows and the track’s progressive horsemen represented by the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association.

“The strength of harness racing in the Commonwealth and at The Meadows has allowed us to assemble a compelling schedule that will attract the sport’s best horses and serve as first-rate entertainment for our patrons,” he said. “Financial support from our horsemen also is a key factor in our enriched program.”

The stakes schedule also includes:

• Two important tests for 3-year-old fillies that will be contested at The Meadows for the first time. The $200,000 Nadia Lobell pace is set for Monday, Aug. 29, while the $200,000 Moni Maker trot will go Friday, Sept. 16. Both races previously were hosted by the Red Mile.
• A lucrative selection of Pennsylvania Sires Stakes legs, including all eight $40,000 championships of the PA Stallion Series. The 3-year-old finals will be featured on Monday, Sept. 12, with the 2-year-old championships to follow the next day.
• The Currier & Ives, a $270,000 early showcase for aspiring 3-year-old trotters. The Open division takes place Monday, June 6, with the fillies to do battle Wednesday, June 8.
• The $160,000 Pennsylvania Fairs championships, which The Meadows will present for the third straight year. The eight finals will highlight a special card on Saturday, Oct. 8.