by Jeff Zidek, for the MSOA

Washington, PA — The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association is pleased to announce that it will team with The Meadows Racetrack & Casino and the United States Trotting Association to take part in “Back To The Track,” a national racing promotion. Events will take place at The Meadows on Saturday, July 16. Post time for the day is 12:55 p.m.

Back To The Track is designed to be a nationwide event that will not only celebrate the rich history of racing and encourage occasional or former race fans to the track for a day of fun, but also to encourage horsemen and regular fans to bring new people to the track.

The MSOA will partner with the USTA to give away 200 “Back To The Track” caps to fans, and one lucky fan will win a 32” flat screen television, courtesy of the MSOA.

Other promotions during the afternoon include a Fun Zone for kids with an obstacle course, mechanical bull, clowns and pony rides. The track will open a barbecue tent for the day as well.

On the track, several special events will take place, including up to three races featuring driving fathers and sons, an amateur race, and an all-female race. The MSOA will guarantee minimum purses of $10,000 for each special event, and several local charities will benefit as well.

The drivers will donate earnings from the special events. For the father and son races, proceeds will go to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Western Pennsylvania. Driver earnings from the amateur event will go to the Washington County Humane Society and proceeds from the all-female race will go to the Magee Women’s Hospital Breast Cancer Program.

“Back To The Track is a great national promotion,” said MSOA President Rich Gillock. “We’re happy to not only take part in it, but also to add a few special touches for the local community. It’s a win-win situation. The sport wins by bringing people back to the track that may not have been here for a while, as well as some new fans, and the community wins through the charities we are supporting. We’re grateful to our horsemen for supporting our efforts.”

Bettors will also have a chance to win big throughout the entire weekend, July 15-17, with guaranteed Pick-4 wagers. For additional information, visit the USTA’s special website at www.backtothetrack.com.