HARRISBURG, Pa., July 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The world's hottest harness racing action returns to Pennsylvania Saturday, July 26, with the 48th Adios Pace for the Orchids at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington, Pa.
The Adios carries an estimated purse of $450,000 up for grabs by the nine horse field. Post time for the Adios is 4 p.m. The track will host 15 additional races on Adios day starting at 12:20 p.m. Estimated purses for the day total $920,000.
"Pennsylvania is a national leader in producing top-quality harness horses and is quickly becoming a favorite destination for the best harness racing action," said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "This weekend all eyes in the racing world will be on Pennsylvania. Join the scene at The Meadows or a track near you."
In 2013, Pennsylvania harness purses reached $108 million.
There are two additional breed-improvement racing programs for harness racing: the Sire Stakes, for owners of fast racehorses fathered in Pennsylvania, and the Harness Breeders Fund, for the owners of mares that were bred to a Pennsylvania stallion to produce a competitive racehorse. Combined, the funds paid more than $26 million in 2013.
Pennsylvania is home to two additional harness racetracks: Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The state also features three Thoroughbred racetracks: Philadelphia Parx, Penn National, and Presque Isle Downs and Casino.
For more information, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us, click on "Bureaus Commissions and Councils" and select "Pennsylvania Racing Commission."
Media contact: Samantha Krepps, 717-787-5085
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
