by Rick Tittsler

Wautoma, WI — We’ve all been there. Waiting for the skies to clear and hoping the old fairgrounds track can handle just a bit more rain. It’s agonizing!

Rick Tittsler photo

Puddles grow as eyes turn skyward on Sunday in Wautoma.

Such was the case in Wautoma, Wisconsin on Sunday (August 16) as trainers and drivers from across the state gathered at the Waushara County Fair for an eight-race card. They watched and waited. No sooner would it start to clear, than a new wave of showers would sweep across the fairgrounds.

“I wish it would just pour and get it over with,” said a frustrated Jeanne Marquis, breeder and owner of trotter Wilamar Valley, who has started his 3-year-old campaign with two wins in as many starts.

Everyone wanted to race, but the on-again, off-again racing outlook took its toll in the hours before post. As time dragged on, Jeanne’s sentiment was shared by almost everyone.

Then, about 11:15 a.m., a steady rain mercifully put an end to the waiting. The track could handle no more, and local harness racing patriarch Gary Magee shared the news in the barn, “Thank you so much for coming out folks, but we’re just not going to be able to race today.”

The next race date is August 30 in Weyauwega at the Waupaca County Fair, in east-central Wisconsin.

“Weyauwega is the first of eight race dates over the next four weeks,” added Gabe Wand, President, of the Wisconsin Harness Horse Association.

Let’s all hope for “fair” skies!