Live Racing Returns to Ocean Downs

BERLIN- Live racing returned to Ocean Downs, the historic racetrack turned casino on Route 589 in Berlin, last weekend after essentially the first missed season in six decades last year while the Maryland’s second slots venue was being constructed.

Maryland’s only active harness racing track opened its 40-day 2011 season this year after missing last summer for the first time in 61 years. Ocean Downs hosted a four dates of non-betting stakes races last year, the Maryland Fund and Sire Stakes, but did not have a full 40-day meet. With the casino up and running, live racing returned to Ocean Downs last Sunday with the first night of the official summer meet.

The old grandstand is gone and the long time fans won’t likely recognize the reconfigured facility, but the action on the track for the first few dates of the 2011 meet have been no less exciting. Live racing will be held every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday through August 28 wiuth the exception of July 4.