from Running Aces Harness Park

Columbus, MN — The barn area will be completely full when Running Aces Harness Park opens for the 2010 season on June 1. An unprecedented 720 stall requests were received from 67 trainers across North America, but only 26 conditioners could be accommodated in the track’s 251 stalls.

“We are delighted that so many horsemen would like to try the Running Aces experience, but disappointed that we couldn’t provide stabling for more of our outstanding group of new applicants,” said Director of Racing Gregg Keidel. “We promised to give preference to our past participants who contributed heavily to our racing program, so there just wasn’t much room for new faces. In an effort to increase the quantity and quality of our horse population, the maximum number of stalls allotted to one trainer was reduced from 16 to 14 and unfortunately no one could be granted as many stalls as they requested. We expect every single stall to be filled with a competitive qualified racehorse this season.”

Trainers that were allocated stalls are: Justin Anfinson-13, Chris Banks-6, Craig Banks-12, Mitch Banks-10, Curtis Carey-6, Evan Coblentz-12, Jesse Delong-14, Brian Detgen-9, Adam Hauser-6, Sherri Holliday-4, Brandon Jensen-12, Kim Johnson-11, Mark King-4, Robert Lems-14, Gerald Longo-13, Rick Magee-14, Tim Maier-14, Rick Mapes-14, Gene Miller-11, Ted Nowatzki-2, Cliff Owens-10, J.D. Perrin-6, Dan Poprawski-12, Nick Roland-11, Merlin VanOtterloo-5 and Natalie Zubrenzski-6.

The backstretch will open on Monday, May 10, for those stables that were granted stalls. Qualifying races are scheduled three straight Saturdays on May 15, 22 and 29 in preparation for the opening on June 1. Upon arrival at the stable gate, all horses will need a negative coggins test within one year, a health certificate issued within 10 days and proof of an EHV-1 vaccination within four months.

Entry forms for several late-closing events will be available May 10 and nominations due by June 1. The series will be for non-winners of 1 pari-mutuel race or $2,500 lifetime and non-winners of 2 pari-mutuel races or $7,500 lifetime, divided by sex and gait if enough enter. A $5,000 claiming pacing series will also be offered.

Condition sheets for the first week of racing at Running Aces are currently available on the USTA website under the “horsemen” tab.