from Rosecroft Raceway

Fort Washington, MD — The condition sheet for the Saturday (Sept. 14) fall meet opener for Rosecroft Raceway is now available at www.rosecroft.com under the “Horsemen” section and at ustrotting.com.

A purse increase averaging 10 to 15 percent in most categories has been applied, bringing the nightly average overnight purse distribution to a projected $57,000 per night.

“Maryland Preferred” races, those with at least seven betting interests consisting of horses owned by Maryland residents, sired or foaled in Maryland or trained by Maryland trainers will race for a 20 percent premium to the base purse for that class. In addition, a $100 payment will be made to any horse finishing in sixth through ninth place in any race.

New racing secretary Peter Hanley has added claiming/conditioned races to the menu as well as creating a tier system for the Maryland Preferred Open events based on field size. Purses will range from $7,500 (for five betting interests) up to $10,000 (for seven or more betting interests) in the Open Pace and Trot and Open Filly and Mare Pace.

“We are going to try a few new things to encourage people to test the claiming ranks this meet,” Hanley said. “The different categories within the claiming conditions will hopefully create some competitive races. In addition we will work to provide the best range of racing opportunities for Maryland horsemen and horses.”

Horsemen are reminded that the entry box will close at 10 a.m. on Wednesday (Sept. 11) for the Saturday card. The entry box for Tuesday (Sept. 17) will close Thursday (Sept. 12) at 10 a.m. Entries can be made by calling 301.567.4401 or 301.567.4435.

Rosecroft will race every Tuesday and Saturday evening starting at 7:25 p.m. nightly through Dec. 21.