Live racing returns Friday to the Valley

First race goes

off at 12:45 p.m.

at MVRC

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

After a record-setting 2018 winter/spring meet for handle, attendance and field size, expectations are high for the upcoming racing at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course.

Racing returns to the course on Friday and continues on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

A solid daily purse structure has been set at $120,000. That’s a 25 percent increase from two years ago.

The Stakes schedule will be highlighted by the $250,000 Steel Valley Sprint with a $50,000 increase.

Track officials say they have received more than 1,800 applications for the 988 stalls on the course backstretch.

“The $250,000 Steel Valley Sprint, which is part of the Penn Gaming Racing Challenge will be run on Nov. 19, as will the $75,000 Mahoning Distaff,” said Mark Loewe, vice-president of Ohio Racing Operations for Penn Gaming. “Trainers based in the Midwest and Northeast have already inquired about the two stakes and we are looking forward to bringing some of the top sprinters to our track.”

Nominations for the Steel Valley and the Mahoning Distaff close on Nov. 5.

New this fall will be Mornings at Mahoning, a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the business side of horse racing.

Morning at Mahoning will be offered Saturday through Nov. 17.

Local experts, horsemen and jockeys will discuss and demonstrate relevant topics. Coffee and donuts will be available for fans who RSVP.

Space is limited. For a reservation, call 330-505-8776.

Also available is the website www.hollywoodraces.com, Penn Gaming’s online wagering website. Launched in 2016, conveniences and advantages include the ability to make deposits and withdrawals from members’ accounts.

Website patrons are able to watch and wager on live races from multiple racetracks from computers or mobile devices. Weekly promotions are posted on the website.

The 2018 fall/winter racing season will feature primarily a four-day-a-week schedule, Monday through Wednesday, and Saturdays. Post times are 12:45 p.m. weekdays and 12:15 p.m. Saturdays. Another Friday of racing is scheduled for Nov. 23.

The Breeders Cup will be celebrated Nov. 2-3, with wagering on the action at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.