Columbus, MN – Running Aces Casino, Hotel and Racetrack has posted stall applications and meet details on their website for the 2026 season of live harness racing, which will be the 19th season in the history of the Minnesota oval and will kick off on Sunday, May 17 and run through Saturday, Sept. 19.
The stall application forms are now available for download on the Running Aces website, along with the 2026 Horsemen Brochure that includes late closer nomination forms, the racing schedule, estimated purse schedule and other important information and documents that are available for all prospective racing participants.
The 2026 meet will consist of 55 nights of action on a three-night per week schedule, which will be made up of Tuesday nights starting at 7 p.m. (CT) and Thursdays and Sundays starting at 6 p.m. (CT).
Total purses for 2026 are projected to top $6 million which represents an overall nightly average of approximately $110,000.
Running Aces will once again offer two early season series events (late closers) including, The Banker Volo trotting series and the Burning Blaze pacing series that will be featured in May and June.
Also returning for 2026 are the track’s three signature free-for-all series events, including the Ron Banks Memorial for top pacing mares that will be contested in June, followed by the $50,000 Dan Patch FFA for top male pacers in July and the Steve Wiseman Memorial for top trotters, which will highlight the action in August.
As per tradition, the Running Aces season will build up to the Minnesota Night of Champions program on closing night in September, when there will be special Friday and Saturday night (Sept. 18 and 19) cards to highlight the best trotters and pacers in the Minnesota-sired program.
Prospective trainers should complete and return completed stall applications to Racing Director Steve Carpenito. They may be mailed via U S. mail, to the address provided on the application and must be postmarked on or before March 16, or they may be completed, scanned and emailed to scarpenito@runaces.com, which is the preferred method of submission.
Please be reminded that applications must be submitted for all trainers that wish to compete at Running Aces in 2026, whether you are applying for stalls at the track or you plan to ship-in to race. Please provide information on all horses that you intend to race at Running Aces.
There are limited opportunities for R.V. Camper rentals as well as R.V. Camper hookups in the stable area. Both are available on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to approval.
All inquiries and questions related to the upcoming 2026 racing season at Running Aces should be directed to Racing Director Steve Carpenito at 651-925-4532.
Important Dates for Running Aces 2026 Season:
Stall Applications Due: Monday (March 16)
Stall Allocations:Tuesday (April 7)
Barn Assignments: Friday (April 17)
Backside Opens: Saturday (May 2)
Pre Season Qualifiers: Thursday (May 7) and Tuesday (May 12) – 12:00 p.m.
Opening Night: Sunday (May 17)
Direct links:
2026 Stall Application – https://runaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stall-Application-2026_V3.pdf
2026 Horsemen Brochure –
https://runaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Horseman_Racing_Brochure_2026_V2.pdf
Horsemen Resources website link – https://runaces.com/racing/horsemen-resources/