by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — Following a three-week hiatus, The Meadows Racetrack & Casino will kick off its Fall/Winter meeting with live cards Friday (Oct. 30) and Saturday (Oct. 31) that will complement the track’s simulcast of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Cup and offer a number of exciting events for fans.

First post Friday is 12:55 p.m. while Saturday’s program begins at the special post time of 11:25 a.m.

Saturday’s card features the seventh annual “Pink Out,” sponsored by The Meadows and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association, to benefit breast cancer research. Highlight of the card will be the Mary McCune Trot, which brings together a field of nine female drivers. In addition, the track and the MSOA will donate their commissions from two designated races to the breast cancer research program at nearby Washington Health System.

Other highlights of Kickoff Weekend include:

• A free seminar, sponsored by the MSOA and the United States Trotting Association, for prospective horse owners. Presenters include The Meadows-based trainers Robert Barnard, Brad Buxton, Spencer Kahrig, Marcus Marashian and Tim Twaddle. The event is set for 2 p.m. Saturday in Delvin’s Banquet Room.
• Handicapping contests on The Meadows races (Friday) and the Breeders’ Cup (Saturday) at both the track and its Harmar location. The contests are open to Racing Player Rewards members. Handicapping contests will continue each Friday and Saturday through November.

Also, Racing Player Rewards members will receive 5x base points for all Meadows races they bet on Kickoff Weekend.