2019 PA Day at the Races Photo Credit to Averie Levanti
The 23rd annual Pennsylvania Day at the Races at Parx Racing is on Monday August 26th with a stellar day highlighting Pennsylvania’s impressive breeding industry. The day will showcase four $100,000 stake races for Pennsylvania-bred horses, in addition to an elite undercard of other PA bred featured races.
“It’s one day in the year that is dedicated strictly to horses that were bred in Pennsylvania,” explains Brian Sanfratello, Executive Secretary of the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association. “There are 104 PA breds running that day! The card looks very good, with the four $100,000 stakes races and $1 million in purses!”
“I think the day is important, because it shows the impact that PA breds have on racing and Pennsylvania economy,” he pointed out. “It helps the legislators take a look to see what the PA program is doing, and the jobs that benefit the state. PA breds run all year long. But this is their one big day for themselves.”
Many PA bred superstars have made their mark in the history books. “We’ve had the great Caravel, bred by Elizabeth Merryman; Twisted Ride has done very well across the country; Roses for Debra is doing fantastic. Those owners of PA breds know that they can run anywhere in the country, and they also can come back to Pennsylvania, where they’re going to get increased purses because they’re PA breds.”
Brian promises a day of exciting racing, with lots of special guests including famed announcer Larry Collmus and FanDuel TV on site covering the action.
Dani Gibson, Public Relations Director for the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, and always on point with her ‘Picks Of The Day’ on Let’s Go Racing Parx on Facebook, is looking forward to a thrilling day. “The Pennsylvania breeding program is one of the strongest in the country, which I know we are really proud of,” she said, “and then we get to showcase our PA breds on this day, and the purses are so exceptional!”
With 11 races on the card and full fields, the fans can expect a stellar day of racing, and Dani is already weighing in on some early picks. “I’m always excited for the two-year-old races,”. Dani said. “We’re looking at the next potential superstars, maybe the next Smarty Jones, which is always really exciting! (Trainer) Butch Reid obviously always comes in with a strong hand. It’s going to be the first time of J C’s Lovin’ Life, she’s going to run in the first race, and she was a big purchase at the sale, at $110,000. I know everyone’s really excited to see her. Everybody wanted her!”
2019 PA Day at the Races Photo Credit to Averie Levanti
Looking further into the card, a few others caught Dani’s eye. “The Jump Start (race 8) is a really good race with the sprinters going 7 furlongs. Ninetypercentmaddie has been hitting the board consistently in stakes races in New York, and One More Scoop is running for Kate Demasi, and he just beat Twisted Ride, who just got third in the Grade I Vanderbilt, so hopefully he could come back and have a good performance. Margin of Air is a horse that is running in the Storm Cat (race 9), and he’s a really consistent PA bred that has won a ton this year, five wins at least. Elizabeth Merryman has Princess Javoncia by Animal Kingdom in the Mrs. Penny (race 10).”
I think it’s going to be a good day for the women,” she said. “We have trainers Elizabeth Merryman, Kate Demasi, and Erin McClellan. They all have really good competitive horses in. And, of course, our local trainers too.”
Joining the Parx excellent jockey colony for the day will be Breeders’ Cup (Wise Dan; Royal Delta) winning jockey Jose Lezcano, riding for Butch Reid.
Brian is especially thankful for the help from Parx Racing for this special day, as well as the hard work by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association staff and board members planning this terrific event.
“Other than PA Derby day, I think it’s the best race day of the year that we have at Parx,” Dani said excitedly. Brian agrees. “It’s has to be 2nd or 3rd, far as handle is concerned.”
They both invite fans to come out and enjoy this spectacular day of racing and support the racing in Pennsylvania, and who knows? Maybe a fan will leave the races, looking to pursue their dream of owning a horse. Brian cites the many reasons to own a PA bred. “The bonus structure. The Breeder awards. The restricted races. They are second to none. Becoming involved in the PA program allows the owner to make their money back quickly and to make a profit!”
