Grove City, OH – The Mercer County Harness Horsemen’s Association will be presented the 2022 Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Dick Brandt Sr. Extra Effort Award at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday (Jan. 14), at the Hilton Columbus-Polaris in Columbus, Ohio.

The Mercer County Harness Horsemen’s Association is one of the most active county horsemen’s associations in the state.

The Association hosts an annual spring matinee, two days of racing at the Mercer County Fair in Celina, and an annual award banquet with upwards of 150 attendees.

The award is named for Dick Brandt Sr., who served as President of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association in 1984 and 1985. He was a past Chairman of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Health and Retirement Fund and Treasurer of P.A.C.E.R. (Political Action Committee for Equine Racing). He also served a member of the United States Trotting Association’s Board of Director and Treasurer.

The Dick Brandt Sr. Extra Effort Award is awarded to local horsemen’s associations and matinee clubs who have made a commitment to county fair racing. The award is based on involvement with their local fair board, local matinees, community involvement, improvements to racing and barn areas and assistance with racing programs during the fair week.