by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — This year’s recently renamed Hap Hansen Progress Pace will again be one of the most prestigious races of the 2015 season. It culminates Dover Downs’ month-long Novemberfest of stakes races.

Most of the top sophomore pacers, headed by local favorites Wiggle It Jiggleit and Wakizashi Hanover, are expected in the Matron and the track’s signature event, the Hap Hansen Progress Pace.

The track’s six-month long campaign begins on Monday (Nov. 2), ending on Thursday (April 9). The draw for opening day will be held on Tuesday (Oct. 27).

During the first week of the meet, all four 2-year-old divisions of the prestigious Matron Series will be featured with lucrative finals on Thursday (Nov. 5). The following Thursday (Nov. 12), the standout 3-year-olds will vie in four Matron finals for trotters and pacers.

The recently renamed $350,000 (est.) Hap Hansen Progress Pace on Nov. 30, preceded on Nov. 23 with $35,000 elimination divisions, headlined by the sport’s outstanding 3-year-old pacers, caps the Novemberfest of stakes.

During November, the freshman division of the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund is again part of the Novemberfest program. The DSBF colt and filly pacers and trotters race in two preliminary legs with the eight top point-getters meeting in $100,000 finals.

In November and December, Dover Downs will race a four day schedule — Monday through Thursday — with post time at 4:30 p.m. There will be no live racing on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Sunday racing will be added in January and February.

During March and April, the six-month long Dover Downs 2015-2016 meet will continue until closing day (Thursday, April 9).

Dover Downs Race and Sports Book features daily racing from major harness and thoroughbred tracks and three-pick NFL football sports betting is available from Noon until Midnight daily.

There is no charge for parking or admission at Dover Downs. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant, call 302.764.4600.