by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Dover Downs has come up with an unique new event over a three-week period on Saturdays, to debut later this month.

The Go The Distance contest is for horses that have started for a $10,000 or less claiming price in one of their last three starts prior to Feb. 1, 2009.

The first week, Feb. 21, will feature four divisions of eight horses drawn by preference date. Each division races for a $10,000 purse over a distance of five-eighths of a mile.

The second stanza, Feb. 28, will race over a one mile distance with a purse of $15,000 for two division of nine horses — the first four finishers from the four first week divisions. In addition, two horses will be drawn at random from the other 16 horses entered the first week.

The third and final event takes place on March 7 with a purse of $25,000. There will be one division of 10 horses comprised of the first four finishers from the two races the second week. Two horses will be drawn at random from the other 10 horses entered the second week.