BERLIN – When live racing returns to Ocean Downs this Sunday, you can bet there will be a crowd at the finish line cheering the horses on.
Believe it or not, that’s not something the drivers steering the equine athletes usually see. Few racetracks these days draw the throng of locals and tourists that gathers along the rail at Ocean Downs.
“It’s the best track here on Delmarva that still has a great crowd,” said BJ Truitt, a driver from Whaleyville. “It’s a good feeling to race at a track where fans are up to the fence cheering you on.”
Truitt and a number of other local horsemen will be bringing their trotters and pacers to Ocean Downs this summer as the track hosts its 67th season of live harness racing. The action kicks off Sunday, June 12, at 7:20 p.m.
Delaware driver Jason Thompson is one of those who will be competing opening night. He’s looking forward to returning to what’s known as the “Ocean Oval.”
“It’s a relaxed environment,” he said. “You can go and have fun with your friends and family and make money at the same time.”
Crystal Layton, director of marketing for the Casino at Ocean Downs, says that in 2016 the facility will once again offer an array of family oriented activities on race nights. On opening night, attendees will be treated to a t-shirt giveaway, the chance to pose for a sketch artist and an appearance by Lucky U, the track’s mascot.
“We want to get locals and tourists alike involved and make it a fun experience,” Layton said. “It’s no charge and it’s great entertainment.”
Live racing is set to take place each Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday until Sept. 5 with the exception of the Fourth of July.
A number of special events are scheduled to take place on race nights throughout the summer, including appearances by a team of Clydesdales as well as meet-and-greets with the track’s drivers, something both horsemen and fans enjoyed last year.
“Fans from young to old enjoyed it,” Layton said. “The drivers interacted with them and talked to them about how they got started in it.”
There will also be free carriage rides, appearances by a magician and pony rides, among other activities.
While the majority of the facility’s events will coincide with live racing, Layton says the track also has a big night planned on Saturday, June 18 as the Ocean City Air Show is underway. At 7 p.m., the public is invited to the Casino at Ocean Downs’ “Salute to our Armed Forces.” The event will include a live concert from country band The Stickers as well as appearances by the Lucas Oil Skydivers, the American Legion Post 166 color guard and the American Legion Bike Riders. The U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds are expected to be present for a meet-and-greet with attendees. There will also be a fireworks show, face painting and performances by a magician.
“Everything’s free,” Layton said.
She says other key events scheduled for the summer include July 15—national “I Love Horses Day” — as well as July 27 — the facility’s 67th anniversary — and July 29 — the fourth annual Ocean Downs Mascot Races. Layton says mascots from local, regional and national entities would be on hand to race each other.
“It’s a fun time,” she said. “Lucky U is the honorary mascot and he holds the checkered flag.”
For a complete listing of the summer’s events at Ocean Downs visit www.oceandowns.com.
