With just six days of racing remaining in the Runhappy Summer Meet, Ellis Park will be moving first post time to 3 p.m. CT on Fridays.
"As we enter the last two weekends of racing, we wanted to provide our community every opportunity to attend and felt a later Friday post time would allow patrons to finish their workday and head to the races. The support for live racing this summer has been spectacular, and we look forward to a strong finish to our race meeting," said Vince Gabbert, interim director of racing at Ellis Park.
The Friday card will consist of eight races, with five of those held on the turf course, weather permitting. The new $3 All-Turf Pick 3 wager, with a 15% takeout, will begin in Race 5. The Pick 5, also offering a 15% takeout, will begin in Race 4.
Events still to come include, Charity Day on Aug. 20, where guests can engage with some of the charities and non-profits near and dear to Ellis Park's heart and participate in activities for donations benefiting one of four charities: the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson, Susan G. Komen, and Healing Reins of Henderson.
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be hosting a mystery jockey autograph signing with a jockey from Ellis Park's past benefiting the aftercare of retired Thoroughbreds. The official 2022 Runhappy Summer at Ellis Park t-shirt will also be on sale for $18, with 10% of proceeds donated to the TAA. Healing Reins of Henderson will have their miniature ponies on site and the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson table will have a fun activity for kids. All Mutuel Clerks at Ellis Park will be wearing pink in solidarity of breast cancer survivors and Susan G. Komen. The Ellis Park staff will be partnering with all four charities on Saturday's Charity Day for blanket presentations throughout the card.
The 2022 Wiener Dog Championship Race, sponsored by Reditus Properties and Missy Mosby & Crew, will be held on Aug. 27. The top two finishers from July's qualifying races will take to the start line during the races for their chance at fire hydrant gold. Plus, as the official Ellis Park late entry, dachshund "Prince" will represent the Ellis Park colors during the Final Race, owned by trainer Brittany Vanden Berg. Reditus Properties & Missy Mosby & Crew will also host a humane society event the morning of Aug. 27.
The Runhappy Summer Meet at Ellis Park began on July 8 and will conclude on Aug. 28, a total of 23 days. Post time for Saturday and Sunday racing will remain 12:50 p.m. CT.
