Big changes to Mohawk Million format

MILTON, January 12, 2024 – Woodbine Entertainment today (Jan. 12) announced changes for the 2024 Mohawk Million.

Following a review of the Mohawk Million format, Woodbine has reduced the price of purchasing a slot in the harness racing event for two-year-old trotters from $100,000 to $50,000 and will offer all 10 slots in the race for purchase.

The race will continue to offer a $1 million purse with $500,000 in added money.

The winner of the William Wellwood Memorial will no longer receive a free slot in the Mohawk Million.

“The Mohawk Million has quickly risen to prominence through four editions and we’re excited to make the investment to continue building the race and event,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “Similar to a race like the Pegasus at Gulfstream, it was necessary that we adjust the conditions to keep this race alive and drive interest.

“Our team has consistently reviewed the format each year and we feel the changes being made for 2024 are appropriate to the current landscape of the industry and should drive slot sales.”

The 2024 Mohawk Million will take place on Saturday, September 21 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

The deadline to purchase a slot for the Mohawk Million is February 15 with $25,000 due on that date. The remaining $25,000 of the slot fee must be paid by June 3. Should more than 10 parties submit to purchase a slot, a draw will be held to determine the 10 slot owners.

Each slot is an entity that may be sold, traded or leased. Slot owners must declare a horse to race in their slot by Monday, September 19 at Noon.

Although the William Wellwood Memorial is no longer directly connected to the Mohawk Million, the Wellwood and Million are part of a buffet of stakes offerings for two-year-old trotters. Woodbine Mohawk Park offers late-closing series and Grand Circuit stakes throughout the months of August and September for all two-year-old divisions.

Any interested parties or those seeking more information on the Mohawk Million can contact Bill McLinchey, Vice-President of Standardbred Racing, at bmclinchey@woodbine.com.

by Mark McKelvie, for Woodbine Entertainment