by Bill Peters, Regional Coordinator for the Ohio Fair Racing Conference
Napoleon, OH — The Henry County Fair at Napoleon, Ohio, played host to Ohio Fair Racing Conference action on Tuesday (Aug. 15) and Wednesday (Aug, 16). A much-improved track enabled many horses to establish new lifetime marks.
The only track record reached was when Mr. Jubilant (Triumphant Caviar-Armbro Xanadu) stopped the timer in 2:04.4 to equal the fair’s record for 2-year-old colt trotters, established in 2012 by Trottin On Over. Chris Beaver trains the colt and also co-owns him with Donald Robinson, Mark Moger, and Synerco Ventures Inc. Cameron McCown had the drive behind Mr. Jubilant in the record-tying performance.
The fastest pacing mile of the week came in the first division of the Free For All Pace when Acting Captain (Somebeachsomewhere-Keystone Trinidad) toured the Henry County oval in 1:59.
David Lake is the owner/trainer/driver of the 7-year-old gelding.
Vegas Secret (Thunderous-Housebuster) turned in the fastest trotting mile of the meet in capturing the Free For All Trot in 2:02.2. George Petredean pays the bills on the 9-year-old mare with Bart Stimer doing the training and Kim Pluta handling the driving duties.
Cameron McCown and Art McIlmurray each had six winning drives at the fair to lead all drivers. Chris Beaver was the top trainer by sending six horses to the winner’s circle.
Congratulations to Co-Speed Superintendents Dudley Shrider and Fred Freppel for overseeing the successful two-day meet. Jeanne Gerdeman and Tim Black were other fair board members who both contributed in various capacities. Also, a big thanks to Tom Gerdeman, Bud Durham, Terry Burdue, Charlotte Shrider, Charlene Freppel, and Tom Moore, Sr. for pitching in wherever needed. Lastly, thanks to the track crew for their great job in getting the track in “tip-top” shape for the racing action.
Harness racing continues in the Ohio Fair Racing Conference at the Defiance County Fair in Hicksville with racing on Tuesday (Aug. 22) and Friday (Aug. 25). Post time is 6:30 p.m. each evening.