Harrah's Chester opens

Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack opened for racing Sunday afternoon with a crowd of about 5,000—many of them making comparisons to the old Brandywine and Liberty Bell racetracks—in attendance. Total handle for the 10 races was $237,290, with $116,037 of that amount wagered on track.

Harness racing flourished in the Delaware Valley for many years, but Liberty Bell Park in suburban Philadelphia and Brandywine, located south of Philly in Wilmington, Del., closed more than 20 years ago, leaving the area without a harness track.

The fastest mile over the five-eighths mile oval was turned in by Edison Hanover, who scored in 1:50.2. The 4-year-old Dragon Again stallion had won in 1:50 at The Meadows on Aug. 26.

Dave Palone, who drove Edison Hanover, was one of the top catch-drivers who competed on the opening program. Hall of Famer Cat Manzi also drove on the card along with Daniel Dube and Tony Morgan.

The first race was won by Silver Flash and Manzi. The 5-year-old gelding captured the inaugural race in 1:52 for owners Frank and Lisa Matassa and Alan Cohn. Ron Coyne Jr. trains the winner.

Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack does not yet have a clubhouse area or slots license. Pennsylvania’s Gaming Board is expected to begin awarding gaming licenses to racetracks beginning this fall, and Harrah’s expects to open its slots area in the Chester facility in early 2007.

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