Dayton, OH — Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway ushered in its ninth live racing season on Tuesday (Sept. 27). A total of 125 starters went behind the gate to kick off the 2022 season, but it was Mission Accepted who highlighted the card.

The son of Manofmanymissions easily captured the $25,000 Open Trot, coined as “The Lidlifter.” Driven by Chris Page, Mission Accepted left from post four and settled in along the rail. After a :27.4 opening quarter, 1-5 favorite Mission Accepted popped the pocket heading to the half-mile marker. Finding himself first-up, the 7-year-old hit another gear to open up by 1-1/2 lengths. Mission Accepted stopped the clock in 1:56.4, besting Big City Pearl (driven by Atlee Bender) and Fanatic (Trevor Smith).

Mission Accepted took the inaugural Open Trot of the 2022 season at Dayton Raceway in 1:56.4. Conrad Photo.

Mission Accepted tallied his 39th career win with the Open victory and has bankrolled over $1.2 million in earnings. Ron Burke trains Mission Accepted for the partnership of Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services, David Wills, and Weaver Bruscemi. Beyond the racetrack, Mission Accepted pulls double duty and stands stud at Sugar Valley Farm in Delaware, Ohio.

At the close of the 14-race card, Page had recorded four wins on the night. Tony Hall, Kayne Kauffman and Brett Miller all scored driving doubles.

Hollywood Dayton will follow a Tuesday-through-Saturday race schedule through Dec. 30 with only holiday exceptions. Live racing will resume Wednesday (Sept. 28) at Dayton Raceway with first post at 4 p.m.

All eyes will fall on Hollywood Dayton in just four days as the raceway holds the richest card in the Buckeye State’s racing history. Dayton will host the coveted Ohio Sires Stakes finals in addition to four Grand Circuit events include Test Of Faith, Atlanta, Bella Bellini, and the fastest Standardbred ever, Bulldog Hanover. First post on Saturday (Oct. 1) is 6:30 p.m. For more information on the facility and live racing season, visit the Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway website.