Budweiser Clydesdales arrive at Penn National

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of

quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, arrived at Penn National on Tuesday in advance of their scheduled

appearances on Friday and Saturday.

Weather permitting, the eight-horse hitch will be harnessed

and hitched to the famous red beer wagon and parade down the Penn National

stretch at approximately 5 p.m. (EDT), shortly before live racing on both days.

First post on Friday and Saturday is 6 p.m., and during the live

racing program on both evenings, weather permitting, the Clydesdales will be

situated on the apron area for photo opportunities with fans until approximately

7 p.m.

The Clydesdales' appearance at Penn National is one of

hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches. Canadians of Scottish descent

brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800's. Today, the giant

draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show.

Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at

least three years of age, stand approximately 18 hands -- or six feet -- at the

shoulder, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, must be bay in color, have four

white legs, and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail. A gentle

temperament is very important as hitch horses meet millions of people each year.

A single Clydesdale hitch horse will consume as much as

20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day.