Kentucky’s Biggest Ever Standardbred Race Day Includes New “Red Mile Million” Event
Owners of The Red Mile, The Hambletonian Society and Kentucky Horse Racing Commission jointly announced the creation of $3.0 million race day on Sunday, September 29th, 2019 – including the Commonwealth’s first ever $1,000,000 race, The Red Mile Million for Standardbreds.
“The Red Mile Million is intended to attract the world’s best two-year-old trotters to Lexington to compete at the historic Red Mile and to highlight the Kentucky Sire Stakes Championship Day as part of The Grand Circuit meet in 2019,” said Joe Costa, the track’s General Manager. “But more than that, it is intended to attract fans and guests to our exciting new entertainment destination.”
John Campbell of the Hambletonian Society explained the Red Mile Million format. “This is a new idea for our sport,” said Campbell. “With ten slots to be acquired for $100,000 each, the race for 2-year-old trotters will be a signature event for The Grand Circuit at The Red Mile going forward. There is already tremendous interest from our racing community.”
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Executive Director Marc Guilfoil noted that the September 29th card at The Red Mile will, with the combining of The Red Million and eight $250,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes Championship races, now be the second richest race day in the Commonwealth – only behind Kentucky Derby Day. “Beginning next year, our state will play host to an amazing day of racing and unprecedented purse structure for Standardbred racing. The Red Mile Million will become a don’t miss event.”
The Red Mile’s Costa mentioned more details will come soon. “We are working closely not only with our racing industry, but also local and state tourism officials to make this a memorable weekend for our region,” continued Costa. “Stay tuned as we plan more announcements in the coming weeks.”
With Red Mile Million, The Grand Circuit Meet and the revitalized Kentucky Sire Stakes Program, over $12 Million in harness racing purses will be competed for at The Red Mile over a seven week period from late August 2019 through the first week in October.
For more information, tune in to the Red Mile simulcast for a more detailed announcement and the finals of the Kentucky Sire Stakes.
Click here for preliminary racing conditions: https://www.hambletonian.com/red-mile-million.html
