Red Mile planning on new race schedule; Futurity moved to Sunday

In an attempt to generate more betting on its racing product, the Red Mile is hoping to conduct the majority of its Grand Circuit meet at night. Its 2011 racing schedule is still pending approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The dates for the non-Grand Circuit portion of the Red Mile season must be approved by local horsemen and the commission.

According to Julie Sorrell, the track’s director of mutuels and simulcasting, the Red Mile’s dates application calls for the Grand Circuit meet to begin Thursday, Sept. 29 and conclude Sunday, Oct. 9. There will be racing Thursdays through Sundays. The Sunday cards will begin at 1 p.m. and all other programs will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The Kentucky Futurity has been scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 2 and the Tattersalls Pace will be held on Sunday,

Oct. 9. Both races were held on a Saturday last year.

“We’re trying to move the Grand Circuit to the night because we think that will generate better handles figures,” Sorrell said.

The other portion of the Red Mile meet is slated to begin August 11 and run until the Grand Circuit meet begins. The non-Grand Circuit will be held on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, with first post on each night at 6:30.

by: Bill Finley (harnessracingupdate.com)