by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Dover Downs’ 40th season kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 26, beginning a six-month meet ending on April 9, 2009.

As usual, the Dover Downs meet features top horses, top stables and top drivers in major league racing six days a week with Friday the only “dark” day.

There are two giveaway items during the first weeks of racing. On opening day, fans at the track will receive a 4″ x 7″ four-color magnetic calendar. Then on Progress Pace day, Nov. 9, as has been customary, fans will receive the Dover Downs Progress Pace 2008 edition hat.

Also during the opening week, on “Pink Thursday,” Oct. 30, the popular Mildred Williams Series, named for the late woman driving star, will reach the final stages of the 2008 season at Dover Downs. Similar to the popular CKG Billings Amateur Driving Series, this event is for female drivers. The Mildred Williams Series has enjoyed success this season at various track in the U.S. and Canada. The Pink Thursday festivities benefit the Delaware Breast Cancer Society.

On the track, Tony Morgan and Tim Tetrick, the sport’s number one and two dash win drivers in 2008, head one of the sport’s most talented roster of horsemen. For the second time in three meets, Morgan, the sport’s leading driver in 2006 for the third time in his career, led the Dover Downs win parade last meet with Tetrick a strong second. Currently, Tetrick leads all drivers in the sport in money earned by horses he has driven while Morgan tops the sport’s 2008 dash standings.

Josh Green took the lead among trainer wins early last season and went on to win his third consecutive conditioning title, haltering 101 winners. Three seasons back, Green had to share the trainer’s crown with Chuck Crissman when each conditioned 90 winners. Green set the track’s all-time single-season record in 2005-06, making the winner’s circle 113 times.

Among drivers, Ron Pierce, Brian Sears and Eric Goodell will join regulars Corey Callahan, Ross Wolfenden, Jim Morand, Brandon Givens, Eddie Davis, Jr., Roger Plante, George Dennis, Vic Kirby and Tim Curtin among popular returning veterans. Vince Copeland, a Michigan expatriot, and Tom Jackson, a veteran Maryland and Pennsylvania leader, are among the newcomers to the meet.

The first full weekend in November will start a showcase of the sport’s standout juveniles.

On Saturday, Nov. 1, three Matron Stakes sophomore divisions will feature top 3-year-old filly pacers and trotting colt and filly eliminations. Then on Sunday, Nov. 2, top 3-year-olds will be showcased in $30,000 Progress Pace elims. The following weekend the top eight finishers in each division return for lucrative finals.

The accent is on the sport’s leading freshmen on Progress Pace Final day, Nov. 9, with all four divisions of the Matron 2-year-old elims. The top eight in each section return for finals the following Sunday, Nov. 16.

There is no charge for admission or parking. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant by phoning (302) 764-4600. Horsemen desiring to stay overnight to watch their horses race should make reservations early at the 4-Star Dover Downs Hotel.