The 73rd season of live thoroughbred racing at Delaware Park is set to open this Saturday, May 1. Post time for the first race is 1:15 p.m. and the first 5,000 fans entering the park after 11 a.m. will receive a Delaware Park cap.

Opening Day activities officially begin at 9 a.m. with Breakfast in the Park, which features a sumptuous breakfast buffet for $7.95 and an informative handicapping seminar conducted by nationally prominent handicapper Craig Donnelly. Guests attending Breakfast in the Park, which will be held in the New Castle Room on the third floor of Delaware Park’s clubhouse, will also receive a free racing program and special gift.

Family activities, which include the Moonbounce, Pony Rides, and Super Slide, in the famous Delaware Park Picnic Grove will get underway at 11:00 a.m.

Admission and general parking are free.

2010 live racing will be held on Saturdays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Thursday live racing will be added from July 15 through August 26. Closing day for the 116-day meet is slated for Saturday, November 6.

Delaware Park’s premier races, the Delaware Oaks (Gr. II) and the Delaware Handicap (Gr. II), will be held on July 10 and July 17, respectively.

Last year’s leading trainer, Cody Autrey will be returning to defend his title. Other top conditioners returning to the Stanton-oval include former seven-time leading trainer Scott Lake, Cindy Jones, Ron Moquett, Todd Pletcher, Tim Ritchey, Steve Klesaris, and Anthony Dutrow. They will be joined by new trainers: D. Wayne Lukas, Bret Calhoun, Steve Hobby, Jane Cibelli, and McLean Robertson.