Bucyrus, OH – Sunday’s (June 6) well-planned event saw the annual matinee held at Crawford County Fairgrounds and over 40 horses were entered “in to go.” A 10 race program – each where the object was with go within a “time bar” for the mile whether it be 2:30, 2:15, or 2:10 – and the drivers and horses were pretty much “right on spot.”

The Ohio-bred two and three-year-olds (by Downbytheseasside, Corragioso, What The Hill, Well Said, What The Hill etcetera) were impressive as many went behind the starting gate for the first time ever.

A truly eye-opening performance was turned in by Cedar Point Beach with driver Austin Hanners as the Western Terror freshman filly proved her mettle with a time of 2:03 flat around the Bucyrus oval in her very first appearance on a racetrack. The Tyler Bates-trained miss is one to make a note of.

The first win of the season is taken by Roman Knows, a four-year-old pacing son of McCardle. Photo courtesy of Crawford County Fairgrounds

The event was coordinated and organized by lifelong Bucyrus native David Staats – who at 33 is the youngest presiding judge on the Ohio fair circuit. Mr. Staats would like to thank the efforts of long time Crawford County Horsemen Edwards Stable and Eastway Racing for having the newly resurfaced track as pitch-perfect as the weather. A special shoutout goes to Joe and Fran Darmofal for their continued support of the sport.

It was a very enjoyable day of harness racing for the folks in attendance and signals the start of the 2021 Ohio County Fair circuit as Paulding hosts the premier county fair circuit on June 14 & 15 and will return to Bucyrus during the Crawford County Fair on July 21st and 22nd.

This Tuesday (June 8) at 7 p.m., you can watch the recap of Matinee Madness broadcast at Bucyrus and all the Fairs during the Summer Season on the OHHA Facebook page.

For a really enjoyable time of true Americana family fun make plans to visit an Ohio County Fair.