by Nick Salvi, for The Red Mile

Lexington, KY — As spring turns to summer and stakes season kicks into high gear, the anticipation begins for one of harness racing’s great traditions, the annual fortnight of Grand Circuit racing at Lexington’s historic Red Mile harness track.

Unmatched in all the sport, the beauty of race horses floating across the clay surface set against a background of local foliage on a warm autumn afternoon makes the Red Mile experience unique.

The racetrack itself, with the natural footing its composition provides, allows horses to perform at a level beyond their scope at other venues. It is the main attraction to those trainers who covet the opportunity to race their prospects at The Red Mile and has been the stage for many of the sport’s most cherished performances.

Again this fall, the best of the best will make the trek to horse country to match their skills on the Lexington clay oval. The 121st Kentucky Futurity, final leg of the Trotting Triple Crown, is set for closing Sunday (Oct. 6). The $500,000 (est.) Tattersalls Pace promises to be as great an affair as the 2012 edition where a dozen of the fastest pacers in the sport squared off in a thriller.

The freshman crop begins to find their form just about the time the Fall Trots arrive. Each year, the Bluegrass and International Stallion Stakes help to identify the true prospects for the balance of the racing season. First crop sires look to Lexington to validate their progeny for the upcoming sales.

As vital as The Red Mile is to harness racing, considering both the irreplaceable history and current importance as both a racing and sales venue, it needs your help and patronage to survive. There is no alternative gaming to fund the purses or the cost of operations. The Red Mile is forbidden by law to accept wagers on Thoroughbred races, an integral revenue producer for all racetracks.

The schedule for the 2013 Grand Circuit Late Closers will be made available in the near future, offering races for those not competing in the major stakes. A full slate will be offered with a close of nominations by Sept. 15.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of a trip to Lexington in the fall, please accept our invitation to join this celebration of harness racing’s finest in September.

This year’s Championship Meet begins on Thursday (Sept. 26) with an evening post time of 7 p.m. Night racing continues through Saturday (Sept. 28) and is followed by a matinee (1 p.m.) card on Sunday (Sept. 29). Week two features all afternoon racing with a post time of 1 p.m. on Thursday (Oct. 3) through Sunday (Oct. 6).

The Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, where champions are sold, begins on Tuesday (Oct. 1) and continues at 7 p.m. each evening through Saturday.

Visit The Red Mile website for information on this season’s calendar and events or call 859.255.0752.