Ohio Sire Stakes kicks off at Miami Valley

LEBANON, OH. – The James K. Hackett Memorials, which have signaled the opening of the Ohio stakes harness racing season for decades, are right around the corner at Miami Valley Raceway.  Originally introduced at old Lebanon Raceway, the Hackett Memorial was picked up by Miami Valley when it opened nine years ago and has been expanded over those years to include divisions for all four categories of Ohio-sired three-year-olds.

“We were pleased with the response to the Hacketts again this year,” said Race Secretary Gregg Keidel.  “There were 125 nominations, divided almost equally between pacers and trotters, colts and fillies.  We raised the elimination race purses from $15,000 to $20,000 this year, plus the finals will race for $50,000 in 2022 versus $40,000 in 2021.  These races are a preview of what patrons will see in the first legs of the Buckeye Stallion Series and the Ohio Sires Stakes, both of which will be featured the week following the Hackett finals here at Miami Valley.”

Due to Miami Valley being dark on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend, there are some minor changes in the draw schedule.  Trainers of Hackett-eligible horses are advised to make special note of the day’s horses need to be entered, as follows:

3yo filly trotters – Enter Thurs. (April 14) by noon for eliminations on Mon. (April 18)

3yo filly pacers – Enter Fri. (April 15) by noon for eliminations on Tues. (April 19)

3yo colt trotters – Enter Fri. (April 15) by 2:00 for eliminations on Wed. (April 20)

3yo colt pacers – Enter Mon. (April 18) by noon for eliminations on Thurs (April 21)

From Miami Valley Raceway