The Ocean Downs harness race track will open for the first time in two years on Saturday, featuring qualifying races for the 40-day meet that begins June 19, with racing each Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday through Aug. 28.
"We're very excited about the return of racing," said track general manager Peter Szymanski. "Construction of the casino and improvements to the race track took precedence and we elected to go without racing. When people come now they will see an improved facility, improved grandstands, a new HD toteboard, benches and refreshment stands. It will be bigger and better."
Harness racing in Maryland has all but disappeared over the past several years as the industry has struggled to find its footing. But with slot machines up and running at Ocean Downs and the prospect of Rosecroft Raceway reopening in the fall or winter, the harness industry is beginning to rally.
Szymanski, who makes note of an improved purse structure, said, "You've heard the saying, 'Build it and they will come?' In this case, it is show them the money and they will come."
As is traditional in harness racing there will be qualifying meets prior to race days to make sure thehorses can cover the mile course in a specific time. Pacers must run the course in 2 minutes, 3 seconds, while trotters must do it in 2:05. Both must maintain their gaits throughout. The qualifying events begin at 10 a.m. Saturday and conclude after about 90 minutes, with more races set for Wednesday and June 18.
"There's a buzz about it coming back," Zymanski said. "If harness racing is going to work, owners have to get excited about it and have the prospect of seeing a return on their money."
Among the events planned for this summer is a program called the Bay Bridge Series, featuring some of the best older horses that are Maryland-owned or Maryland-bred with more than $200,000 in purse money.