from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — The Harness Racing Social Media Initiative, sponsored by the United States Trotting Association and key partners, today announced a new “30 out of 30” Grand Circuit Challenge, which provides fans the opportunity to win a $1 million prize if they can pick the winners of 30 designated top races during this year’s racing season.

Entrants can enter the contest immediately at www.harnessracingambassadors.com where they will find specific details of the contest, rules and access information about each race. Sign-up generally takes less than five minutes. The first race will be the Meadowlands Pace on July 12.

The contest features key Grand Circuit races, including the Hambletonian, Little Brown Jug and Breeders Crown at leading tracks in North America, including Mohawk, The Meadows, The Meadowlands, Hoosier Park, Tioga Downs, Vernon Downs, Northfield Park, Saratoga, Delaware (OH), The Red Mile, Scioto Downs, Balmoral Park, Dover Downs, Yonkers and Maywood Park.

A full list and schedule is available at www.harnessracingambassadors.com/million_dollar_challenge. The hashtag, #Harnessracing1m, has been created for sharing.

“This contest is designed in the spirit of one of harness racing’s most treasured traditions, the Grand Circuit,” said John Campbell, president of the Grand Circuit.

“The Grand Circuit has always been a traveling roadshow to success and riches for horsemen and horses alike,” added Campbell. “This contest now allows fans to come along and participate, while having the chance to become a millionaire in the process.”

For those who miss a race and don’t qualify for the $1 million grand prize, there are $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 second, third and fourth prizes available for those who choose the most correctly. Each week, entries will be posted online to give fans the opportunity to pick the winners in advance of each race. A leaderboard will help all entrants track their progress so that they can play along throughout the racing season.

Fans can also participate in the optional Harness Racing Ambassador program, to connect with other fans, earn rewards and share their experiences through social media. All sign-ups for the $1 million prize must be received before noon on July 12, 2014 and are limited to one per person.

About the Harness Racing Social Media Initiative

Launched in September 2013, the Harness Racing Social Media Initiative is a partnership among the United States Trotting Association, the social media consultancy, Converseon, and key industry groups to help drive marketing innovation and engagement with current and new fans for the sport. The initiative’s mission is to help support key racetracks, industry groups and help provide foundational support and a common, “best practice” framework by leveraging social technologies and platforms and strategies to positively brand the sport of harness racing and generate greater awareness, visibility and engagement with a new generation of fans. Other active promotions include the 100 Top Moments in Harness Racing Contest (http://harnessracingfanzone.com/promotions/top100moments). Key foundational elements of the initiative to date include the Harness Racing Ambassador Program and the www.HarnessRacingFanZone.com.