Dayton: October 3 Derbies Night gets a boost

Hollywood Dayton Raceway announced Tuesday (9/22) it is adding a new twist to its marquee night of the 2020 meet on Saturday, October 3.

In addition to three Dayton Derbies ($200,000 est. Dayton Pacing Derby, $175,000 Dayton Distaff Derby and $175,000 Dayton Trotting Derby) the program will include eight $60,000 Buckeye Stallion Series championship races. The $1,000,000-plus 14-race card will be completed with three brand new invitational races with potential purses of $75,000 each.

"The response from nominators to our Dayton Derbies has been fantastic and we believe more than nine will enter each of them," said Director of Racing Jason Bluhm. "Rather than returning nominating fees to those entrants that do not get spots in a Derby as one of the top nine 2020 money earners, we're giving them the option of racing in a Derby Consolation (Invitational). If six or more Derby-eligible horses agree to enter, the purses will be $75,000 each, with no additional starting fee."

Open non-Derby eligible horses are welcome to enter the new Invitationals to create full fields, but nominated Derby horses will receive preference. If less than six Derby-eligible horses agree to race, their nomination fees will be returned and that particular race will revert to an Open event with an enhanced purse of $25,000.

Dayton Derby entrants are asked to make online entries as soon as possible and indicate in the notes if they are interested in the $75,000 consolation if their earnings doesn't qualify for the main event. Questions can be directed to Race Secretary Gregg Keidel at 937-235-7859 or Gregg.Keidel@pngaming.com.

Updated earnings standings to determine Dayton Derby standings can be found at. https://www.hollywooddaytonraceway.com/racing/Horsemens-info

-edited release (Dayton)