by Bill Peters

Edgerton, OH — The Mercer County Fair at Celina, Ohio, completed a successful two-day meet on Sunday (Aug. 14) and Monday (Aug. 15). Post time was delayed by an hour each day due to light rains, but the track remained safe and race-able throughout each program.

The fastest miles for the week came in the second division of the 3-year-old filly pace and the Trent Bates Memorial Free For All Pace when the winner of each race stopped the timer in 1:59.4.

The 3-year-old filly pacer Im Feelin Fine (Feelin Friskie-Celestial Hanover) is owned by Jerry Zosel, Kathy Ratcliff and Kimberly Dailey. Jim Dailey trains the filly with Scott Cisco providing the driving chores.

Led Schneppelin (Memphis Flash-Ima Tough Bunny) captured the Trent Bates Memorial for owners Thomas Solomon, Natalie Kauffman and Jeremy Flohre. Jason Brewer drove the 5-year-old gelding for trainer Kayne Kauffman.

Seventeen-year-old Austin Hanners steered Rehab Mountain (Duke Of York-Dukehoime Glory) to the fastest trotting mile of the meet by winning the Grand Lake Signature Series Trot in 2:01. Travis Redden trains the 9-year-old gelding with B6 Racing Stable paying the bills.

Scott Cisco was the leading driver for the week with five wins. Mark Rowe and Jim Dailey each had three training victories to share honors in that category.

A big hats-off to the speed committee of Bob Geist, Derek Menchhofer and Jerry Bollenbacher for pulling off the successful meet under less than ideal conditions. Also, a big thanks to many of the Mercer County horsemen for their work on the track and other behind the scenes duties.

Harness racing will continue in the Western Ohio Colt Racing Association with a two-day meet at the Allen County Fair in Lima. Racing in Lima will take place on Tuesday (Aug. 23) and Wednesday (Aug. 24) with a 6:30 p.m. post time each day.