PHOTO ESSAY: Running Aces Opening Night

COLUMBUS, MN – The standardbreds are off and pacing (and trotting) in Minnesota this summer and we were there to capture the opening night action.  While the heavens opened up halfway through the nine race card it did nothing to dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm, though it did force a large number of them indoors for a while.  In racing action, drivers Lemoyne Svendsen and Travis Bowman started the season with a pair of wins to heat up the driver’s standings early while pacer Valiente Stride was the highest returning mutual of the day paying $21.40.

We enjoyed the evening, we hope you do too!

Families and gamblers alike were very happy to be back at Running Aces on opening night Saturday night.
Folks were very happy to be back at Running Aces on opening night Saturday night.
Pacers lining up behind the starting gate prior to the start of race 5
Pacers lining up behind the starting gate prior to the start of race 5
Moving through the turn behind the gate.  The start on the 5/8 of a mile oval takes place on the backstretch.
Moving through the turn behind the gate. The start on the 5/8 of a mile oval takes place on the backstretch.
Turning for home
Turning for home
Thundering down the lane
Thundering down the lane
Battling to the wire
Battling to the wire

A few random shots of horses that we thought were pretty cool – including one who thinks he belongs on the commercial with the dogs that have good teeth!

Running Aces 8
Smooch at ’em and maybe she’ll step it up a bit.
Kicking up his hooves down the lane.
Kicking up his hooves down the lane.
Loosening up before the race.
Loosening up before the race.
Stretching out before letting it rip!
Sometimes some audio encouragement is necessary!
A looker!
A looker!
Last, but not least, funny boy flashing a smile!
Last, but not least, funny boy flashing a smile!