Penn Mile, Penn Oaks Return in 2021 After Year Hiatus

Penn National Race Course announced March 17 the return of the $300,000 Penn Mile Stakes (G2T) and the $100,000 Penn Oaks after a one-year hiatus because of the onset of COVID-19. The two races will be contested May 28, the first time the Penn Mile card has been scheduled on a Friday evening.

The purse of the Penn Mile had been $500,000 since the race was introduced in 2013. The Penn Oaks was worth $200,000 in 2019.

"We are excited to once again offer the Penn Mile as it signals a return to normalcy," said Eric Johnston, director of racing operations for Penn National. "The race has quickly established itself on the national racing calendar by bringing the best horses, horsemen, and jockeys to central Pennsylvania while also helping to establish some of the highest betting handles in Penn National history."

The Penn Mile achieved grade 3 status in 2015 and was minted as a grade 2 in 2017 after attracting Catch a Glimpse, Bobby's Kitten, and Force the Pass—all existing or eventual grade 1 winners. The 2019 edition of the Penn Mile produced the second-largest betting handle in Penn National's 49-year history.

"We are pleased with the success of the Penn Mile and appreciate the recognition it brings for our racing program as a whole," said Todd Mostoller, executive director of the Pennsylvania Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.

First post for the Penn Mile card is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.