from Penn National Gaming

Wyomissing, PA — Three racetracks operated by Penn National Gaming, Inc., the largest operator of harness racetracks in North America, will be active participants in the United States Trotting Association’s “Back to the Track” program over the next month.

The “Back to the Track” program is an initiative to encourage on-track attendance at harness racetracks across the country through promotions and interactive events. More information on the program can be found at http://backtothetrack.ustrotting.com/

“Back to the Track is a great way to bring new guests to our tracks and also say ‘thank you’ to our loyal customers as well,” said PNGI Vice President of Racing Christopher McErlean. “Plainridge, Freehold and Rosecroft each have come up with some unique events and activities for their guests to enjoy.”

Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville, Mass., the newest member of the PNGI racing family, will be hosting a full weekend of events and live racing on Aug. 23 and 24. On both days the Hambletonian trophy, harness racing’s most prestigious prize, will be on display. The trophy was won by the locally owned and trained Royalty For Life in 2013.

On Saturday, barn tours will be conducted from 12 Noon to 2 p.m. with all participants to be entered in drawings to announce a post parade on either day, ride in the starting gate car and participate in an exhibition race on Sunday with top Plainridge drivers.

Plainridge drivers will participate in a meet and greet on both days and serving customers in a special cook out area during both afternoons. Drivers will also give out commemorative “Back to the Track” t-shirts following each race.

A free scratch off ticket will be given to all guests Sunday with a $50,000 grand prize. The “$50,000 Match and Win” promotion is sponsored by Mom’s Motorcycles of Foxboro, Mass.

Post time Saturday (Aug. 23) is 4 p.m. Post time on Sunday (Aug. 24) is 1 p.m. Admission and parking is free at Plainridge every live racing day. For more information go to www.prcharness.com.

Freehold Raceway in Freehold, N.J., will be hosting “Back to the Track” events on Labor Day (Sept. 1) during its afternoon live racing program. All guests will receive a free “Back to the Track” baseball cap with the purchase of a Freehold live racing program (while supplies last).

Drawings throughout the day will be conducted for “Back to the Track” t-shirts and season parking passes. Fifty cent hot dog and soda specials will be offered as well as a driver autograph session. Post time Labor Day is 12:30 p.m. and admission is free. For more information go to www.freeholdraceway.com.

Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Md., will celebrate “Back to the Track” as part of its summer-fall meet opening night on Saturday (Sept. 13). The first 400 guests after 6 p.m. will receive a free “Back to the Track” t-shirt and guests will have a chance to enter losing tickets all evening for “Second Chance” drawings after races five, seven and nine for $50 betting vouchers.

In addition, a popular Asian Festival will be held all day in the Rosecroft parking lots. Post time is 6:40 p.m. with free admission and parking. For more information go to www.rosecroft.com.