by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — The first draw for the upcoming 40th Dover Downs season takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

All horses entered for the Sunday, Oct. 26, opening day card must be submitted from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning. In addition the same time frame for entering horses for Monday, Oct. 27, is on Wednesday, Oct. 22, and for Tuesday, Oct. 28, is on Thursday, Oct. 23.

Starting on Saturday, Oct. 25, the draw schedule becomes from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon. Beginning Saturday the regular draw schedule becomes: Saturday for Wednesday; Sunday for Thursday; Monday for Saturday; Tuesday for Sunday; Wednesday for Monday; and Thursday for Tuesday.

Qualifying races will be held on Wednesdays starting at 10:00 a.m. The first qualifying day is Wednesday, Oct. 22. Horses must be entered on Tuesdays.

Trucks and trailers can enter the grounds as early as 8:00 a.m. In addition, the track is open for training Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. The track is closed Friday and Saturday each week and re-opens for training Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

The 2008-09 Dover Downs meet continues, six days a week, until closing day, Thursday, April 9. Again this season, the only dark day for live racing at Dover Downs is Friday. Weekday afternoon post time is 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday racing begins at 5:30 p.m.