by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — The first “racing action” over Balmoral Park’s revamped one mile oval took place on Tuesday morning (August 5) as a total of six qualifying events were contested.

The changes that were completed by Tech 3 Consulting Group and T.J. Lambrecht Construction during the six weeks of “down time” at the Crete plant include a complete reshaping of the first turn as well as adding seven degrees of banking, putting down a new “base” surface on the backstretch and second turn and adding three degrees of banking to the backstretch and homestretch.

Live racing resumes at Balmoral Park on its usual four-night a week schedule (Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday) on Saturday, August 9. Post time is 7:20 p.m. (CDT).

A new wagering format has also been put into place at both Balmoral and Maywood Park as the two facilities continue to meet the requests of the betting public. Fans will now be able to jump right into the lucrative Pick 4 action with that wager entailing the first four races on each program. The popular 50 Cent Pick 5, with its low takeout of only 15 percent, will now be on races five through nine each night. There will be a new 10 Cent Super High 5 on race 10 each night and a 50 Cent Pick 6 on races nine through 14 every Friday at Maywood and Saturday at Balmoral.

For more information call (708) 672-1414 or visit www.balmoralpark.com.