by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Dover Downs kicks off its 49th season on Monday (Oct. 30) with a month-long parade of major stakes. The near six-month long meet ends on March 29, 2018.

As is customary, the Dover Downs meet features top horses, top stables and top drivers during four days a week racing, Mondays through Thursdays. Weekday racing this season begins at 4:30 p.m.

Dover Downs’ signature event, the 21st Hap Hansen Progress Pace, highlights a stakes-heavy fall racing program. The $350,000 (est.) event for 3-year-old colts showcases the top money-winning sophomores meeting in $35,000 eliminations on Wednesday (Nov. 22). The top eight finishers then vie for top honors in the rich final on Thursday (Nov. 30). A $25,000 consolation is also carded.

On that same Nov. 30 program, all four $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund stakes for 2-year-old filly and colt pacers and trotters join the Dover Downs 2017 stakes lineup. DSBF finalists are determined after two $20,000 preliminaries with the top eight point-getters qualifying.

The prestigious Matron Series, the sport’s oldest continuous stakes events for colt and filly trotters and pacers will again be highlighted in early October. First the four divisions for 2-year-old colt and filly trotters and pacers meet on Thursday (Nov. 9). The following Thursday (Nov. 16), the spotlight beams on the 3-year-old male and female events for both gaits.

Among a star-studded roster of top drivers, trainers and horses at Dover Downs this season, both the defending driver champ Corey Callahan and Dylan Davis, trainer champion, head an impressive lists off performers.

At Dover Downs, there is no charge for admission or parking but reservations are suggested for the popular Winner’s Circle Harness Racing Buffet in the Clubhouse Restaurant by phoning 302.764.4600. Due to strong weekend bookings at the 4-Star Dover Hotel, horsemen desiring to stay overnight are urged to make reservations.

Daily simulcasting of North American harness and Thoroughbred racing and three-game parlays of NFL games are available in the Dover Downs Race and Sports Book located in the Colonnade.