by Jeff Zidek, for the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission

Washington, PA — The Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission advises horsemen of the following important change regarding Bloomsburg Stakes and Pennsylvania Sire Stake racing.

Due to recent flooding which caused more than $1 million in damages to the Columbia County Fairgrounds, the entire Bloomsburg Fair has been canceled for 2011.

Thanks to the efforts of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association, the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association, and the board of the Gratz Fair, we are pleased to announce that all races originally scheduled for Bloomsburg have been moved to the Gratz Fairgrounds.

Entry deadlines and race dates will remain the same. However, please note the following:

• Racing during Gratz Fair’s usual dates are not affected. Racing will still take place at Gratz on September 18 and 19 at 12 Noon.
• Horsemen racing at Gratz for their traditional fair dates must vacate stalls by 6 p.m. on Monday, September 19. They may return to the fairgrounds after 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 25.
• The number to phone in entries for the Bloomsburg races will be 717.365.3144, which is the Gratz Race Office. David Wiest will serve as Race Secretary.
• Post time for the races on September 26-29 will be 1 p.m. each day.

Once again, the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission would like to wish those involved with the Bloomsburg Fair the best of luck with their cleanup efforts, and we thank all of our horsemen, the horsemen’s associations, and the Gratz Fair for their efforts to find a new home for the Bloomsburg races.