from Running Aces Harness Park

Columbus, MN — A meeting between Running Aces Harness Park officials and board members at the Barnum, Minnesota Fairgrounds has resulted in the immediate opening of a 90-horse stabling facility complete with a reconditioned half-mile track. RV and camper hook-ups are available on site. Stall rent during the Running Aces season will be just $3 per stall per day.

Barnum is a quaint town just over an hour north of Running Aces alongside Interstate 35. Dubbed the “Gateway to the North Woods,” it is located in a scenic area of the state and noted for its numerous fishing lakes and rural hospitality.

Director of Racing Gregg Keidel, “Track Superintendent John Betts and Presiding Judge Bob Corey toured the Barnum Fairgrounds on Tuesday and agree that it is quite suitable for horses that want to race at Running Aces this season, but couldn’t be accommodated in the track’s recent stall allocation.

“The four barns seem nearly new, sturdy and in a tranquil setting good for horses,” added Keidel. “I hope some of the trainers that want to race here will check it out.”

“The track is in far better shape than it was last time I saw it a year ago,” reports Betts. “I made a few suggestions on ways to improve the grade and surface consistency and they seemed eager to make the improvements. I’m going back this weekend to lend them a hand.”

“I grew up racing at dozens of county fairs,” said Corey. “I’m impressed with the Barnum facility and the desire the fair board has to do this project right.”

Minnesota Harness Racing Inc., the statewide organization representing harness horsemen in the Gopher State, is contemplating a one or two day fair meet at the Barnum track following the Running Aces season.

“We would enthusiastically welcome the harness horsemen back to Barnum,” said Fair Board President Steve Loucks. “We will do everything we can to give them a good track surface they can safely race over and the best possible stabling area we can provide.”

Stalls are available immediately and the reconditioned track will be ready for harness horses early next week. Parties interested in stalls should contact Steve Loucks as soon as possible at 218.940.1126.