August 7, 2009

PACERS TO RACE ON THE TURF FOR FIRST TIME EVER AT ROCKINGHAM PARK

SALEM, NH— In another all-time first in the storied 103-year history of Rockingham Park, a pacing race will be held on the track's renowned grass course and the contest follows last week's duo of successful first-time trotting races on the turf.

The race, which will be held as the seventh on the afternoon card, features eight standardbreds making their initial foray on to the turf course, which until one week ago had always been reserved exclusively for Thoroughbreds. In fact, over the centuries there have only been four other standardbred races on the turf and they were at two other North American harness racing tracks.

Post time for Saturday's races is 1:05 PM and every paid admission over 18 will receive a custom made Rockingham Park hat while supplies last. Also on Saturday, handicappers can try to win $1,000 in cash prizes in the annual Rockingham Park/Coors Light Thoroughbred Handicapping Contest and there is no fee to enter. Enties are due in the track's admissions office no later than 15 minutes prior to the first post from Suffolk Downs at 12: 45 PM.

Saturday is also a banner day for both harness and Thoroughbred racing fans. They can watch and wager via simulcast on the $1.5 million Hambletonian Stakes, which is the most prestigious leg of the Trotting Triple Crown, plus the Grade 1 $750,000 Whitney Handicap from Saratoga, the Grade 1 Arlington Million and the Grade 1 $750,000 Beverly D Stakes from Arlington, and the Grade 1 $300,000 Bing Crosby Handicap from Del Mar.

-30-