Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort will begin its 10-month racing season March 1 with a condensed stakes schedule and new wagering options.
Mountaineer has traditionally raced almost year-round, but under a new agreement with the Mountaineer Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the West Virginia track will race its customary 210 days over 10 months instead of 12.
The stakes schedule begins May 18 rather than the first Saturday in May, and extends through Nov. 16 rather than the end of December. A nine-stakes package headed by the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (gr. II) remains intact and is scheduled for Aug. 7 with a special post time of 2 p.m. EDT.
All other programs, held Fridays through Tuesdays, will have first post of 7 p.m. The meet concludes Dec. 21.
Mountaineer has added a pick six on the last six races each night, as well as a 50-cent superfecta in the final race on each program.
“We’re excited to offer additional wagering options for our customers beginning March 1,” Mountaineer director of racing Rose Mary Williams said in a statement. “The introduction of the carryover on the pick six will add excitement with the potential to grow into a huge payout.”
The meet will begin with a purse schedule similar to that of last year: $37,400 for an open allowance race, $19,600 for a maiden special weight event, and a bottom purse of $8,200 for $5,000 maiden claimers.
