Mahoning Valley overnight purses get 5 percent boost

Overnight purses at Mahoning Valley Race Course will rise by about 5 percent beginning March 2.

According to Mark Loewe, vice president of Ohio Racing for Penn National Gaming, overnight daily purses will now average $76,000, with individual race purses ranging from $5,300 to $16,000.

Maiden special weight horses currently running for a $12,000 purse will now compete for $13,200. First-level allowance purses will rise from $13,500 to $14,200. The top non-stakes purse for Ohio-breds, formerly $25,000, will rise to $25,800.

Mahoning Valley’s winter/spring meet runs through April 25.

The track, located near Youngstown, Ohio, has added a live card on Friday, March 6 to make up for the program lost on Feb. 2 due to severe winter weather.

Christian Pilares, second in the jockey standings with 24 wins, comes into Wednesday’s card eight wins shy of 1,000 for his career.