With purses boosted by added gaming, ThistleDown Racino will open its 2014 racing season April 18 when the North Randall, Ohio track offers its 90th season of racing.
Opening day will feature purses of $100,000, the highest opening-day purse structure in track history. The track's signature race, the Ohio Derby on July 19, will see its purse tripled to $300,000.
"The Ohio Derby has been ThistleDown's signature event for decades," said track general manager Rick Skinner. "We wanted to restore this race to its former glory by significantly increasing the purse, which provides for a more prestigious race and elevates Northeast Ohio's spot on the racing map."
