Running Aces set for Ron Banks Memorial

Columbus, MN – The $35,000 Ron Banks Memorial FFA Fillies & Mares Pace highlights a nine-event harness racing program at Running Aces on Sunday night (August 21) with first post at 7 p.m. (CDT).

The event honors the memory of Mr. Ron Banks who was a well-respected horseman and friend to the Harness Racing community in Minnesota and surrounding states. Mr. Banks made his home in Cannon Falls, Minn. where he was a farmer, as well as a teacher and coach. He was a board member and served as president of The Minnesota Harness Horsemen’s Association and he worked hard to expand Harness Racing in Minnesota and was instrumental in helping to pave the way for a new Pari-mutuel Harness Track to be licensed in the state.

His efforts, along with the efforts of others, ultimately led to the opening of Running Aces in 2008. Ron’s wife Marilyn will be on hand, along with a large group of family members and friends to make the blanket presentation to this year’s winner.

Here is a look at the field for the 2022 Ron Banks Memorial:

1. JK MY GIRL (JK Endofanera) – Brian Detgen – 8/1
2. Always Choose Chip (Always A Virgin) – Brady Jenson – 6/1
3. Sweet Young Thing (Sportswriter) – Tony Kerwood – 10/1
4. Gottalovemyshadow (Shadow Play) – Chip Lackey – 8/1
5. Hottieonthehorizon (Vertical Horizon) – Luke Plano – 5/2
6. Rojo Caliente (Time To Roll) – Mooney Svendsen) – 8-1
7. Bettor Trix N (Bettor’s Delight) – Rick Magee – 4/1
8. Rockin With Lou (Sweet Lou) – Dean Magee – 3/1

The Sunday program also features a field of seven for the $19,800 Open Handicap trot, as well as a field of seven for the $15,600 Mares Open II pace and 2 divisions of the $33,000 Minnesota-sired sophomore trot.

The 20-cent Pick-5 Jackpot has a carryover of $12,992.24 and gets underway in race five.

For Sunday entries, click here.

by Darin Gagne, for Running Aces