Live Racing Set to Return to Ocean Downs

Live Racing Set to Return to Ocean Downs
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BERLIN- Live racing returns to Ocean Downs next weekend for the 58th year with the first two days of what will be a 40-day live meet at the historic harness racing track near Berlin set for next Saturday and Sunday, June 16-17.

The 40-day summer live meet at Ocean Downs will feature 10 races nightly with the first post-time each night at 7:35 p.m. Live racing will be held each Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer and the meet will end a little late this year on August 25. The only exception on the calendar is Wednesday, July 4, due to the Ocean Pines community fireworks show held at the track.

Ocean Downs officials brought in nationally recognized track expert Greg Coon to revamp the track surface at the historic track on Route 589 near Ocean Pines.

“He chewed up everything and put a layer of eight to 12 inches of stone dust,” said Ocean Downs general manager Peter Szymanski. “It will help traction and there will be no cupping out. It’ll be very safe and probably one of the best half-mile tracks in the world.”

In addition to the live racing on the track, Ocean Downs offers year-round simulcasting from some of the top harness and thoroughbred tracks in North America. The track recently hosted big crowds during the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, and with this weekend’s Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown, the track should be busy again.

Ocean Downs continues to be family-friendly with arcade and horse games for children along with plenty of great food and drink in the grandstand and in the restaurants at the facility. As always parking and admission are free at Ocean Downs. For more information, contact the track at (410) 641-0600.