by Pete Doucette, for the Oxford Fair

Oxford, ME — The Big “O” Oxford Fair has unveiled its plans for the inaugural running of the Big “O” Open Pace for a purse of $25,000. The pace, to be raced on Saturday, September 13, the final day of the 2008 meet, is hoped to draw some of the finest pacers on the Eastern seaboard.

The race will highlight an exciting week featuring an added day of racing this year on Sunday, September 7.

The final day also includes the sixth annual Charles Day Memorial Pace with a purse of $5,000.

Adding to the excitement is the offer of a $2,500 bonus to both the trainer and the driver of the horse breaking the track record currently held by Eighth Wonder and Jason’s Jiffy (1:56). Director of racing Caldwell Jackson believes a new track record is likely considering the outstanding condition of the track and the caliber of horses, trainers, and drivers that the Big “O” Pace is sure to attract.

Anyone interested in entering a horse in the Big “O” Pace should contact Kenny Sumner, race secretary, by e-mail at slompe@aol.com or phone (207) 754-8128.

The track will also feature legs of the lucrative and ultra competitive Maine Sired Breeders Stakes races.

The Oxford Fair runs from September 7-13 with harness racing on Sunday and Saturday with a 1:30 p.m. post and a 3:00 p.m. post Wednesday through Friday. Check out www.OxfordCountyFair.com for more details about the fair.