by Paul Ramlow, publicity director, The Grand Circuit

Columbus, OH — The Grand Circuit will make 20 stops during its 2008 racing season according to the schedule announced today by G.C. President Tom Thomson.

The Circuit will be welcoming a new member in 2008 as Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack was granted dates from August 17-21. The Pennsylvania oval will be racing many of their top stakes during their week of Grand Circuit action including the Colonial Trot, the Battle of Brandywine, and the Valley Forge.

The Grand Circuit has been in existence since 1871, when representatives from three racetracks in different states met to create a racing circuit. The first campaign for the Grand Circuit took place in 1873, when four tracks offered $169,300 in purses. From those humble beginnings, the Grand Circuit has blossomed into a yearly showcase of the finest 2-and 3-year-old harness horses competing in North America, with purses now totaling many millions of dollars at racetracks and fairs in many areas of the continent.

The complete 2008 schedule for the Grand Circuit is as follows.

Track-Dates
Freehold Raceway — May 3-May 10
Hoosier Park — June 24-June 28
Meadowlands (Historic Series) — June 24-June 28
Historic Track (Goshen) — July 3-July 6
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs — July 5-July 11
Tioga Downs — July 18-July 20
Meadowlands — July 23-August 2
Meadows — August 5-August 9
Illinois State Fair (Springfield) — August 8-August 12
Indiana State Fair (Indianapolis) — August 15-August 16
Harrah’s Chester — August 17-August 21
Indiana Downs — August 22 and September 5
Breeders Crown at Mohawk — August 22-August 30
Illinois State Fair (Du Quoin) — August 26-August 30
Mohawk — August 30-September 6
Delaware, Ohio County Fair — September 14-September 18
The Red Mile — September 23-October 4
Maywood Park — October 10-October 17
Balmoral Park — October 25-November 1
Breeders Crown at The Meadowlands — November 21-November 29