On Saturday, September 16, Running Aces wrapped up its 10th season of live harness racing, and the track’s numbers are up in every conceivable category.
Large crowds were the norm throughout the 2017 season, with a 36 per cent increase in on-track attendance over what were already very strong attendance figures from last season.
On-track live wagering handle was up 11.39 per cent, and live export handle was up 18.24 per cent over 2016, which had been the best season on record until this year. The overall handle increase was 17.1 per cent.
The new 20-Cent Pick 5 Jackpot wager was a success, as it produced large carryovers and large payouts, including a record 20-cent payout of $55,645.80 on August 26.
Magnifique, driven by owner/trainer Gerald Longo, stamped her name into the record books when she hit the wire first in the $12,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace on July 18 at odds of 115-1 to record a state record pari-mutuel payoff of $232.20 to win.
Average field size increased yet again as well, to 7.51, and contributed to some of the best and most competitive racing around.
There were so many amazing performances on the racetrack. No less than eight track record miles were turned in this summer at the beautiful Minnesota oval.
Firedrake won nine races at Running Aces this season, for the most wins of the meet. He also won the inaugural $35,000 Dan Patch Free For All Pace on July 23 in 1:52.1 and set a new track record of 1:51.2 for four-year-old pacing geldings on September 3. Firedrake is owned by Jessica Johnson and is trained and driven by Nick Roland.
Banker Volo had an amazing season at Running Aces as well, and stamped his legacy into the history books with a new all-age trotting track record of 1:54.2, that he posted not just once, but twice this season (June 27 and July 25) during his seven trips to the ‘Aces’ winner’s circle this year. Banker Volo is owned by Dan Roland and was trained this season by Jenni King and Angie Coleman. Luke Plano did the driving.
Ideal Jesse became the fastest three-year-old trotting colt in Running Aces history back on June 27, with his 1:56.1 victory for owner/trainer/driver James Yoder.
My Little Susie re-wrote the record for four-year-old trotting mares with a 1:55 mile on June 17 with Steve Wiseman in the bike for trainer Kathleen Plested and owners A Piece of The Action LLC.
Gold Star Mysti contributed an impressive new track mark for four-year-old pacing mares in 1:51 on July 3 for the fastest mile of the meet. Trainer/driver James Yoder was in the sulky for owner Marianne Audley. Gold Star Mysti was a fierce competitor in the Mares Open all season long.
And Steves Hot Rod became the fastest three-year-old gelded pacer in Running Aces history when he turned in a sparkling 1:51.4 mile on September 2 with trainer/driver Rick Magee steering for owner Kati Sokolowski.
The 2017 leading driver award went to Steve Wiseman, who recorded 94 victories and compiled an impressive win percentage of over 21 per cent. He also led all drivers in purse money and UDR.
The 2017 leading trainer award was won by Kathleen Plested, with 47 wins.
Running Aces wishes to congratulate its entire live racing team for a job well done, and a very successful season. The track would also like to send a big ‘thank-you’ to its loyal fans and its amazing horsemen for their continued support year after year.
(Running Aces)