Running Aces Harness Park Open for Racing
Minnesota has been waiting anxiously for the Running Aces Harness Park grand opening, which took place on the weekend. Opening to the public for the first time on Friday, 11 April 2008, it was a great moment filled with excitement and anticipation, as the Running Aces Harness Park is the first professional track for harness racing in Minnesota. Its construction not only opens the doors to permanent harness racing events, but has created job opportunities and a positive influence on the economy of the state.
The Running Aces Harness Park has an oval racing track that is five-eighths of a mile. There is seating for approximately two hundred and fifty spectators in the bar area and restaurant that overlooks the track. Outdoor seating is also available. Most of the racing contenders move from one event to the next and will not remain at the track for longer than the duration of the racing meet. However, the Running Aces Harness Park has constructed four stable yards, which are able to accommodate about three hundred horses.
For the opening weekend, special guests and musicians were invited to join in the festivities. These included Tom Kelly (Legendary former manager for the Minnesota Twins, now a proud harness horse owner), John Pawlak (Veteran race announcer with more than thirty years in the racing industry) and Charlie Maguire (Composer and musician). Charlie Maguire was requested to entertain the crowd for the grand opening, but in future the Running Aces Harness Park will invite local talent and special artists to perform here.
In June 2008, the Card Room will be opening, which will feature some of the latest tables and facilities including games such as Poker, Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, Hold ‘Em and a great variety of casino games. It is hoped that the Running Aces Harness Park casino will be approved to host the Heartland Poker Tour.
With magnificent facilities, a stunning casino, thrilling live horse racing and great entertainment, the Running Aces Harness Park is bound to grow in popularity as time goes by. Able to accommodate horses, spectators and entertainers, the park offers the public the opportunity to try their hand with lady luck in the casino or on the track. With horses coming into Minnesota to attend horse racing events, the number of visitors will also increase and bring positive financial gain to the state.
