Mohawk: Thursday marks the tracks 54th season of live racing

The 54th season of live harness racing at Mohawk Racetrack is set to begin this Thursday, April 13.

The 2017 meet will run from April 13 through to October. The final number of race dates for the meet is pending regulatory approval.

Live racing will be offered every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings will be added to the schedule in June for the duration of the meet.

The highlight of the 54th season is the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup on Saturday, June 17. The 34th edition of Canada’s richest harness race promises to be the biggest event in the history of the classic race.

Over $3 million in total purses will be up for grabs on the stakes-filled card, which includes the Fan Hanover, Goodtimes, Armbro Flight, Roses Are Red and Mohawk Gold Cup.

The very best pacers and trotters in harness racing will continue to converge on Mohawk Racetrack throughout the entire season for Grand Circuit action.

The Canadian Pacing Derby highlights a stakes-filled card on Saturday, September 2. The oldest pacing event in Canadian racing will feature heavyweight older pacers battling for a purse of $550,000.

The Labor Day weekend card also features the Champlain Stakes for 2-year-old pacers and Simcoe Stakes for 3-year-old trotters.

New in 2017, the $700,000 Metro Pace and $500,000 Shes A Great Lady find a new home on the stakes calendar. The signature events for 2-year-old pacers will have its own night to step into the spotlight on Saturday, September 23.

A week before the rookie pacers shine bright, the $650,000 Canadian Trotting Classic and $600,000 Maple Leaf Trot will feature the best trotters from around the world on Saturday, September 16.

Over $5 million in purses will be up for grabs during September’s Grand Circuit action at Mohawk.

The wagering menu this season continues to offer all the usual signature and popular wagers. A pair of guaranteed pools will be offered nightly, as the $40,000 Pick-5 and $50,000 Early Pick-4 hold their regular spots on the card.

Post time for each night of live racing is 7:30 p.m., expect for special events in which an adjusted post time will be announced in advance.

--edited release (WEG)