by Mark McKelvie, WEG Communications

Milton, ON — The Woodbine Standardbred Race Office has announced details for the inaugural “Hard Rock Claiming Series” to take place at Rideau Carleton Raceway during the months of July and August.

The “Hard Rock Claiming Series” will consist of two events for C$7,000 claiming level pacing horses and mares. Each event will feature three preliminary legs and an added money final. The purse for the preliminary legs will grow each week from C$5,500 to C$6,000 and the final will race for C$12,000 (added).

Horses that do not qualify for the added money final will be eligible for an C$8,000 consolation, to be raced the same night as the final.

Claiming is allowed during the preliminary legs, with the claiming price set at C$7,000 for the opening two legs and C$8,500 for the third leg.

The “Hard Rocking Gals” event for pacing mares will start Thursday (July 26) and conclude on Thursday (Aug. 16). The “Hard Rocking Gents” event will launch on Sunday (July 22) and conclude on Sunday (Aug. 12).

Nominations to the “Hard Rock Claiming Series” close Monday (July 16).

To view the conditions and nomination form, click here.

All draws for Rideau Carleton Raceway are conducted at Woodbine Mohawk Park and stakes administration of the series is coordinated by Woodbine Entertainment.

Nominations to the “Hard Rock Claiming Series” can be made online by clicking here.

If sending stakes payments by mail, envelopes must be clearly postmarked no later than July 16 or payment will not be accepted. Registered mail is recommended.