by Gregg Keidel

Lebanon, OH — Theharness racing tradition in Lebanon, Ohio continues at Miami Valley Racewaybeginning January 6 as the highest purse pool in the tracks history, along withthe National Drivers Championship, usher in Miami Valley’s Winter Festival ofRacing. OHHA representative Brett Merkle comments, “The horsemen arethrilled to see a fourth consecutive purse increase at Miami Valley. Weare very encouraged by the efforts Miami Valley puts forth to showcase a firstclass product through the winter months.”

Afternoon matinees present every Sunday, Monday and Tuesdayfirst race post at 2:05 p.m. with Friday and Saturday evening cards beginningat 6:05 p.m. A deep and talented driver’s colony will compete throughoutthe winter season at Miami Valley, with all the top drivers from last seasonexpected to return. A variety of series and special events during theWinter Festival will surely appeal to harness racing fans at every level.

January — $25,000 National Drivers Championship (Jan 8th, 9th, 10th )

$700k Claim to Fame Series

February — $400,000 Elite and Classic Survivor Series

March — $600,000 Legends Series

Race Secretary Gregg Kiedel remarked, “The race office teamworks very hard to write the most competitive full fields and lucrative bettingopportunities. Presenting the meet in winter and spring segments will addclarity to the type of racing offered at the beginning and end of themeet.”

Wagering opportunities include early and late doubles, a 50 centLucky Pick-5 (with an industry low 12% takeout) beginning on race eight and a10-cent Buckeye Hi-5 on the twelfth. Carry over provisions apply to bothwagers until a winning ticket is sold.

Helen Carlo, MVG’s Racing Operations Manager comments,”Our fourth consecutive year of purse increases continues to be driven bythe success of VLT revenues.”

Stay tuned for Grand Circuit and Ohio Sire Stakes actionduring Miami Valley’s upcoming Spring Festival of Racing in April and May.