Mountaineer Adds Dates, Races to 2003 Calendar

Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort, which was involved in a dispute with the Mountaineer Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association over a live racing and simulcast contract earlier this year, has announced an expanded live racing schedule for the remainder of 2003.

Originally scheduled to hold live racing only four days a week (Saturdays through Tuesdays) in September, October, and November, the West Virginia track has added Friday racing those three months. In addition, the track planned to race only nine programs in December but has expanded that number to 17.

Mountaineer will switch to a five-day racing week effective May 1. Full-card simulcasting is offered every day and night at the facility where purses are fueled by revenue from video lottery terminals.

Usually, when Mountaineer races five days a week, it cards nine races. For the rest of the year, that number has been upped to 10 races. Post time for each program is 7 p.m.

The only exception is Aug. 9, when the grade III West Virginia Derby will be held. There will be nine races with a first post time of 2 p.m. that day. The $600,000 West Virginia Derby will be broadcast live on ESPN.