by Charlene Sharpe

Pocomoke City, MD — Entries for the Great Pocomoke Fair are being accepted now through Wednesday.

Harness racing highlights the annual fair in southern Worcester County Saturday (Aug. 5) beginning at 12:45 p.m. Standardbreds from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region will be showcased in an afternoon of exhibition races at Pocomoke City’s iconic fairgrounds.

Harness racing at the Pocomoke Fair, which was established in 1901, is something local horsemen look forward to every year. It’s a chance for those who often stay behind the scenes to take to the track. It gives young drivers, in particular, a chance to begin honing their skills. Some of those — Corey Callahan and Montrell Teague, to name two — have gone on to become household names.

The afternoon card will include a number of featured races. The Jack Dolby Stars of the Future event will give drivers between the ages of 14 and 18 the chance to show off their driving skills.

A Powder Puff Derby will feature female drivers, while the Heavyweight Challenge will be for drivers weighing more than 225 pounds. The card will also include an event for senior drivers — those 50 and up — as well as a 9/16th mile dash.

All purses are estimated to be $750 but will be adjusted based on the actual number of races filled. Classes will be combined as needed.

The Great Pocomoke City Fair policy in regard to cancellation of the races is if it becomes necessary to cancel the races due to unforeseen circumstances, an expense reimbursement of $100 per horse will be paid. Any leftover funds resulting from a cancellation will be placed in escrow and added to the following year’s purse fund.

The races are scheduled for Saturday (Aug. 5) at 12:45 p.m. with a drivers’ meeting at 12:15 p.m.

The entry box opened at noon on Monday (July 31) and will close at noon Wednesday (Aug. 2). To enter call Pam Polk at 410.641.0428 or Charlene Sharpe at 443.614.9233.

Condition Sheet
1. Pace — maidens — 2-year-olds to draw inside (there will be a separate race for 2-year-olds if entries permit) — $750 est.
2. Pace — non-winners of $2,500 lifetime — $750 est.
3. Pace — non-winners of $5,000 lifetime — $750 est.
4. Pace — non-winners of $2,000 in 2016 or non-winners of a pari-mutuel race in 2017 that are non-winners of $150 per start in 2017 — $750 est.
5. Pace — non-winners of $6,000 in 2017 or non-winners of 2 pari-mutuel races in 2017 that are non-winners of $350 per start in 2017 — $750 est.
6. Pace — “The Jack Dolby Memorial” — winners over $6,000 in 2017 — $750 est.
7. Trot — maidens — 2-year-olds to draw inside — $750 est.
8. Trot — non-winners of $5,000 lifetime. AE: non-winners of 2 purse races life — $750 est.
9. Trot — non-winners of $2,000 in 2017 — $750 est.
10. Trot — non-winners of $6,000 in 2017 — $750 est.
11. Trot — the Phyllis Ratchford Memorial — winners over — $750 est.
12. “The Dash for Cash” — 9/16th mile dash
13. “The Seniors” for drivers over the age of 50 — nominate driver & horse
14. “The Heavyweight Challenge” for drivers weighing 225 lbs. or more — nominate driver & horse
15. “Powder Puff Derby”
16. “The Jack Dolby Stars of the Future” for drivers aged 14-18