by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — For Friday’s first two races at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, bettors will have to focus on win/place/show and daily double rather than the varied exotics menu usually offered. That’s because for those races, the track will turn back the betting clock and offer only those wagers available on June 28, 1963, the track’s opening night.

As part of the track’s 50th anniversary celebration, the card will begin at 8:20 p.m. and include nine races to honor the opening night schedule.

Although the track will revert to its contemporary wagering schedule beginning with the third race — race four kicks off the Pick-4, race five the Pick-5 — Mike Jeannot, president of Meadows Racing, suggested that many fans will be experiencing a limited wagering menu for the first time.

“For our younger players accustomed to multiple exotics options, it should be a fun change,” Jeannot said. “They’ll be concentrating on win wagering, which may even sharpen their handicapping.”

On Thursday and Friday, golden anniversary festivities begin at 6 p.m. and include a cookout in the Miller Tent, music from the 1960s and videos of Meadows “magic moments” on the infield matrix board. In addition, fans will participate in “1963 Trivia,” with hats, tee shirts, concert tickets and 1963 track photos as prizes.

Each fan will receive a special golden anniversary commemorative journal, produced by the Keystone Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association, that features congratulatory ads as well as articles about such historical developments as the unique Tartan Brand racing surface used for the track’s first 11 years, its experiment with Thoroughbred racing in the early 1970s and the birth of the Meadows Racing Network in 1983.

Then, on Friday, the track will roll back prices (on selected food and beverage items) to their 1963 levels. The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association will offer patrons jog cart rides and paddock tours while the matrix board will feature rare archival footage and stills of the track’s construction as well as its founder, Delvin Miller.

Following winner’s circle interviews with 50-year veterans, the pioneers will be joined on track by horsemen, horsewomen and track personnel representing five decades of The Meadows for a rousing rendition of “happy birthday” led by track announcer and harness Hall of Famer Roger Huston.

First post Thursday is 6:55 p.m.