Hollywood Casino at The Meadows has been named to the list of racetracks that will be featured in the sport of harness racing’s first-ever graded stakes.
In a move that parallels thoroughbred racing, the United States Trotting Association has designated 171 races as “graded” based on various criteria.
The Meadows’ top annual race, the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids, has been listed as a Grade 1 stake, the top level. Each year, the race for three-year-old pacers offers a purse of at least $350,000, which is part of the requirement for a Grade 1.
The sister race for three-year-old pacing fillies, named the Quinton Patterson Adioo Volo, will be a Grade 3 stake event, with a purse annually in the $125,000 range.
“We are pleased to be recognized with a Grade 1 stake,” said Director of Racing Scott Lishia. “There are only 47 Grade 1 stakes nationwide for horses of all ages, making The Delvin Miller Adios one of the nation’s premier events for three-year-old pacers.”
Both the Delvin Miller Adios and the Quinton Patterson Adioo Volo take place this year on Saturday, July 26. The Delvin Miller Adios will have elimination races the Saturday before.
by Jeff Zidek, for The Meadows