Hambletonian Society president John Campbell confirmed to HRU that the race for 2-year-old trotters will be supported by proceeds of the new Lexington Selected Mixed Sale that will debut on Oct. 7 this year.

by Dave Briggs

Hambletonian Society president John Campbell confirmed Wednesday that a new $1 million race will debut at Red Mile in 2019 for 2-year-old trotters and the race will be supported by proceeds of the Lexington Selected Mixed Sale that will debut Oct. 7, 2018.

“Our mandate is to support and promote the breeding of the standardbred, so adding a million-dollar race is certainly going to do that,” Campbell said. “It’s something that we, as a Society, are very excited about and optimistic about.”

Campbell said more details about the race would be formally released Sept. 16 prior to the Kentucky Sires Stakes finals at Red Mile, but, for now, he could say the race is a partnership between the Hambletonian Society, Lexington Selected Sale, Red Mile and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

David Reid, the co-manager of the Lexington Selected Sale, said he was thrilled about the news of the new race.

“On behalf of the Lexington Mixed Sale, we’re very proud and excited to see this new race launched. We’re excited for the first annual mixed sale to be held in Lexington this year and to see the money being put back into the sport,” Reid said.

“Entries for the mixed sale are closing in the next few days.”

Campbell said the creation of the new race — which has yet to have a formal name — has been in the works for two years.

“We haven’t finalized the formal plan yet, but we’re trying to put together a significant day with Sires Stakes finals and a new million-dollar race,” Campbell said. “It will be held during the Grand Circuit meet at Red Mile.”

Harness Racing Update will provide updates on the new seven-figure race when available.