Circleville, OH — After a year-long extensive multi-million dollar renovation of the Pickaway County Fairgrounds, a modern, attractive, and fan-welcoming showcase opened on Saturday (June 15).

The resurfaced half-mile oval was in perfect shape as the 2019 edition of the Ohio Colt Racing Association’s 2- and 3-year-old trotters and pacers zipped around the lightning fast track.

In the first race of the day Steve and Peggy Carter and Steven Price’s Mr D’s Rock, a 2-year-old colt by Pet Rock out of Cotton Candy, with driver Dustin Bothman, christened the circle with a mile in 1:59.2h by eight open lengths over Dancin Waylon L (Hank Le Van) and Nvrpoptdaplugs and driver Ken Holliday. It was the first time in front of a crowd for the slick-gaited youngster and he did not disappoint the fans as he went off the favorite and picked up his 50 percent share of the $3,331 OCRA purse.

It was also the quickest mile of the program as well despite some other impressive performances by 2- and 3-year-old colts such as D’ Big Promise (Josh Sutton), Doubleyellowline (Dan Noble), and Will E Finn (Jeremy Smith) as they stepped off fast last quarters to each prevail by a head. Good sharp driving and exciting Fair racing at its best.

The judges managed to get all 14 contests in before the rain came in earnest after 5 p.m. Due to the heavy downpours throughout the night Sunday’s (June 16) 10-race card has been postponed to Monday (June 17) beginning at 12 noon. Monday evening’s 12-race competition will go off at its original post time of 4 p.m. The Spring Haven Farm Ladies Series is slated for the 10th race which should go off at about 7:15 p.m. Canned goods for donations for the Haven House of Pickaway County will be accepted at the OHHA’s Racing With The Stars tent up until then. Bring a can, grab a koozie. Donate five and get a T-shirt.