Minnesota Opens Harness Track to Big Crowds

Over 600 jobs were created by the opening of the harness track.

Minnesota opened its first full-time harness track this weekend, and the venture looks to be a success. Running Aces Harness Track, in Columbus, opened Friday to a capacity crowd.

Eight harness races were run Friday night, and also Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Minnesotans attended enthusiastically despite unseasonably cold weather.

While a state survey showed 62% of the public to be against the spread of gambling, 80% of residents say they have gambled at one time, indicating many feel the need to express anti-gambling sentiment, while being gamblers at heart.

The new track is valued at $62 million, and will pay full taxes, as no public concessions were made to track builders. An additional $88,000 will be given to the city each year for its general fund.

Over 600 jobs were created by the opening of the harness track. The city, county, state, and school district all will enjoy a share of revenues.

Running Aces also contains a card room with 50 tables, and live poker will be available once the track qualifies by hosting live horse racing for 50 days.