by Josh Potts, for the Brown County Fair

Mount Sterling, IL — Live harness racing action returns to the Brown County Fair on Aug. 2 and 3 in Mount Sterling, Ill. First race post time for both afternoons of racing is 2 p.m. (CDT).

For those who can’t make it to the track in person — no problem! That is because WVIL 101.3 FM will broadcast all of the live racing action on both nights.

For those outside of the listening area, you may listen to all of the action on your smartphone or tablet. Simply follow these easy instructions:

1. Go to the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Download the free “TuneIn Radio” app.
3. Once downloaded, type “WVIL” into the app’s search bar.
4. Select “WVIL – All Sports Radio.”
5. Press the play button.
6. Listen and enjoy!

Or, you can listen to all of the great racing action via WVIL 101.3 FM’s website.

The highlight of the meet will once again be Sunday (Aug. 3) afternoon’s $21,500 Taser Gun Pace for Illinois conceived and foaled pacers aged four-and-up. While the Mount Sterling twicearound has played host to 17 such contests, the race was named the Taser Gun in 2006, honoring the veteran campaigner who won the 2002 and 2005 editions of the race. Once again, the Taser Gun is the richest and most anticipated race on the Illinois County Fair racing circuit.

Al’s Hammered — who sports career earnings of $384,503 — will take his six-race winning streak into the Taser Gun. The son of Droppin’thehammer–Alberts Magic has won nine of his last ten races against the best that Chicago has to offer.

It won’t be easy, though, as Big Daddy Woo Woo, winner of the 2012 Taser Gun, will look to find his way back to the winner’s circle. Elkhorn Damien, No Respect, Silver Devil, and Ricky Bobbie round out a very talented field of Illinois-bred pacers.

While the equine stars will be shining, the human stars will be out in full force as well. That’s because two of the top drivers in the Midwest will ply their trade at the Brown County Fair. Robert Smolin, perennially one of the top 10 drivers at Balmoral and Maywood Parks, and Sam Widger, one of the top drivers at Hoosier Park, will be doing battle in Mount Sterling on Sunday’s card.

Track announcer Ed Teefey and racing analyst Josh Potts will bring you all the action, providing pre- and post-race analysis, winner’s circle interviews, and much, much more. Also, the Brown County Fair is once again the only county fair in Illinois to offer the public pari-mutuel wagering on harness racing.

With great harness racing and the chance to win money, bring your family and friends out to see the live racing action at the Brown County Fair on Aug. 2 and 3. You won’t want to miss it!