by Darin Gagne, for Running Aces Casino & Racetrack

Columbus, MN — As the North American horse racing season heats up this weekend with the running of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, things are heating up in Minnesota as well. Final preparations are being made for the 10th season of live harness racing at Running Aces Casino & Racetrack.

Sure, there will be great coverage of the Derby here, including fantastic food and beverage services and plenty of screens to watch the big race, but there’s far more excitement in the air at the beautiful five-eighths-mile oval just north of the Twin Cities in Columbus. It’s almost time for live harness racing.

Opening night is just two weeks away, on Saturday (May 20) with a first post of 6 p.m. and featuring our annual racing hanky giveaway to the first 500 guests who purchase a live racing program.

Horses will begin arriving from all over the country this coming week, and Running Aces will host its first qualifiers on Saturday (May 13) with another session on Tuesday (May 16).

The new season offers plenty of excitement for the betting public with a new 20-cent Jackpot Pick-5 wager, plus the return of the tremendously popular 50-cent pentafecta wagers in the final two races, and the introduction of 20-cent superfecta minimums which will boost payouts. Handicapping selections and strategies will be posted on the website for each racing day.

Running Aces will host a full compliment of Late Closing events in 2017, spreading from June to July and boasting purses of more than $163,000 while featuring the $30,000 guaranteed Dan Patch Free For All Pace on Sunday (July 23). The 52-night season will culminate on Sept. 16 with the traditional Night of Champions for Minnesota sired/owned horses with more than $250,000 in purses.

Running Aces will be live on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. (CDT) and Saturdays and Sundays at 6 p.m. (CDT) from Saturday (May 20) through Sunday (Sept. 17). There will be a special Monday card of live racing on Monday ( July 3) at 5 p.m. (CDT) and no racing on July 4.

Dollar Nights will continue to be featured on Tuesdays, covering everything from food items to programs, bets and even fishing pole rentals. Saturday night’s action will once again be complimented by beer, wine and cocktail specials all evening and free live music in the Trout-Air Tavern after the last race.

Family Nights are offered every Sunday, with family pack specials available and face painting on site as well as kid’s coloring contests, while adults can enjoy beer specials on Sundays as well.

There are also many special event nights scheduled throughout the racing season with more information and a full calendar of events on the website and you may also pick up a free pocket-calendar at the front desk.

Admission and parking are always free at Running Aces, and you’ll find our smoke-free facility to be inviting and extremely family friendly.

Running Aces offers several dining options including full-service dining in the renowned Trout-Air Tavern, which carries on the tradition of true pond-to-plate dining that has been offered on the property for decades.

The Trout-Air fishing experience is back for 2017 as well, and will be open during live racing from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Dining reservations may be made by calling 651.925.4577.

Running Aces also offers fantastic options for group events during live racing, including our skybox experience. Group party reservations may be made at 651.925.4571 and more information is available on our website, www.RunAces.com.

See you on Opening Night!