Dayton: Purse boost starting November 1

Hollywood Dayton Raceway announced Thursday (10/28) an across-the-board purse increase, effective Monday, November 1. The overall effect will be an approximate increase of 15% in the average daily purse allocations.

"The combination of continued brisk VLT business in our casino, increases in our average daily handle and the fact we've been racing about one less race per day early in this meet left us in the position to offer this purse increase," explained Director of Racing Jason Bluhm. "After consultation with the Ohio Harness Horsemens Association, we arrived at a purse increase formula that we hope will stimulate the entry box."

"The outlook for harness racing in Ohio continues to get brighter and brighter," exclaimed Race Secretary Gregg Keidel. "The purse structure on the year-around Southern Ohio circuit [Miami Valley, Scioto Downs and Hollywood Dayton] is one of the very best in the industry. Hopefully, current horse owners will continue to attempt to upgrade and add to their stables; and trainers will be able to attract new owners to take advantage of the inviting racing opportunities here in Ohio."

All purses were raised by a minimum of $500, with the majority of classifications boosted by $1000 to $2000. The three weekly Open events, when they attract full fields, will now chase $30,000 in rewards.

Hollywood Dayton will continue to race on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday schedule through the end of the year. Post time on most days remains 4:00 p.m., but on Mondays the track now switches to an earlier 2:00 start time for the remainder of the season.

-edited release (Hollywood Dayton)