by Nina Sveinson

Columbus,MN — Running Aces has announced its 2017 live racing schedule withthe Minnesota Racing Commissions approval. The upcoming meet will featurea few key changes to the growing racing product by extending the calendarlength of the meet by racing three days a week instead of four.

“In2017, we look to build upon the foundation of our successes in previousseasons,” stated Ben Blum – Running Aces Director of Mutuels/Simulcasting.“These efforts focus mainly on the safety of our horsemen while offeringadditional racing opportunities and competitive fields to our local fans andthroughout the simulcast market”, continued Blum.

The2017 Running Aces race season will run 52 days. The season will beextended three weeks into September to better accommodate those traveling fromother states and extend the season for local horsemen and race fans.

Liveracing will open on Saturday, May 20, 2017 and will race through September 16,2017. Races will run Tuesdays at 7 p.m. with 6 p.m. races on Saturdaysand Sundays. This years’ race season will be enhanced with added familyentertainment, more food options and, of course, the Trout Air FishingExperience.

Theonly change from the weekly format will be in July as there will be a shiftfrom races on Tuesday, July 4 to a special race day on Monday, July 3 witha 5 p.m. post time.

RunningAces is known as a state-of-the-art facility, including 252 stalls in theiron-site barns and excellent track composition. The track conditionscontinue to be top notch thanks to industry-renowned Director of Facilities /Track Superintendent, John Betts. “We are lucky to have a crew with deep skillsand abilities” said, Taro Ito, President/CEO of Running Aces. “Running Aces hasmaintained a first-class look, allure and safety due to the leadership of Bettsand his talented team.”

Withbarn space in high demand, stall applications and initial condition sheets willbe posted in early February 2017, as well as race office positions includingPaddock Judge, Identifier, and other various seasonal positions. A jobfair will be set for early spring. Running Aces employs 650+ staff during thesummer months.