by Rick Tittsler

Monroe, WI — The Green County Fair could easily be billed as “So much history, so much fun!” The Green County Agricultural Society and Mechanics Institute held their first outdoor fair in 1854 on land that was purchased for $400. In 1866, the Jockey Club built a race track believed to be nearly a half-mile in length.

The “modern” half-mile oval was built in 1900, and was a previous stop on the Grand Circuit. In fact, the pacing record is still held by King’s Counsel (2:02-1/4) and was set in 1944. The original 500-seat grandstand built in 1886 was greatly expanded just 15 years later. The grandstand was completely rebuilt in 1948 and was in service until destroyed by a tornado in 1972. The grandstand of today has witnessed some great harness racing, including eight races held on Sunday, July 26.

Unraced 5-year-old gelding Hermen’s Art took the opener in 2:10 for driver Bob Yohn and owner/trainer Durwood Maas. The second race was a NW200 Trot, and 3-year-old filly Agency Discount prevailed with Gabe Wand in the bike. Trained by Susan Schroeder, Agency Discount held off a late charge by Purely Classy, trained and reined by Hall of Fame driver Del Insko, for her first win.

Another 3-year-old filly took the green pace, as Barus Sheezapache charged home for her second victory in two lifetime starts. Trainer Russ Gald and driver Ben Gald have to be thrilled with this youngster. Good Ride Cowboy overcame the far outside post to win the NW1500 Trot for trainer/driver Gabe Wand and fellow owner (and father) Bob Wand. In three starts for 2009, Good Ride Cowboy has two wins and a place for the Wand Stable. Gabe finished his strong day of driving with two wins, two seconds, and a fourth in his five starts.

Bob Yohn came right back in the fifth (NW3100 Pace) to win with Red Phoenix. This 3-year-old chestnut gelding by Armbro Mackintosh has now hit the board in five of nine lifetime starts. Apache Queen ruled the conditioned sixth race with trainer Robert Grismore in the bike. Owned by Jeffrey and Roger Fenrick, Apache Queen earned her first lifetime win after previously racing in Chicago’s tough company.

In the NW7000, Fox Valley Windy and driver Gary Rath continued to dominate their opposition on the Wisconsin fair circuit. Fox Valley Windy’s record in 2009 stands at five starts, with two wins, two places, and a show. Gary Rath’s own record is also impressive, having earned his 500th driving victory earlier this month at Maywood Park in Chicago.

The Free-for-All eighth race was won by rail-sitter It’s Cooltogofast with Dennis Henert doing the driving for trainer Tom Busse. The 5-year-old gelding by Cole Muffler out of Annacrombie stayed flat over the track generously rated as “good” following weekend rains, and recorded the day’s best time of 2:07.4.

To learn more about Wisconsin harness racing, please visit www.wiharnessracing.com. To learn more about the Green County Fair, and to read Ken Allen’s fascinating historical accounts, please visit www.greencountyfair.net.