Delaware Park to have 81-day meet in 2018, same as this year

Delaware Park and the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association have agreed to terms for an 81-day meet in 2018, the same number of dates as this year.

The one-year contract extension stipulates that the track will open for training March 1 and remain open until Dec. 31. Racing dates and a stakes schedule are expected to be announced in January after being submitted to the Delaware Racing Commission. This year’s Delaware meet began June 3 and continues through Oct. 21.

“Having the stability and certainty moving into next season will help us continue the positive momentum we have established over the last few years,” said Kevin Delucia, the track’s senior vice president of racing and finance.

D. Scott Peck, president of the DTHA, echoed Delucia’s comments.

“This gives us the assurance needed to plan ahead,” he said.