Lexington, KY – The first harness racing of the year in Kentucky took place this weekend in LaCenter. The Ballard County Fair Board worked with Governor Andy Beshear to safely hold the fair, racing under some new guidelines. The fair was a success and all horsemen were excited to get back to racing.

Narnia (#6) and driver Tyler Shehan won the first race of the Kentucky fair season Saturday at Lacenter. Amanda Stephens Photo.

The fair kicked off with 3-year-old colt trotters. Narnia crossed the wire first in 2:07.2, holding off Golden Genes and driver Mike Hollenback. The 3-year-old Diamond Creek bred son of Dejarmbro – Bedtime Story is owned by Mark Wright, Amanda Stephens and Karen Shehan, trained by Thomas Shehan and was driven by Tyler Shehan.

The fastest race of the day belonged to Laurens Valley. The 3-year-old filly by A Rocknroll Dance – Babette Hall went wire-to-wire in a track record time of 1:59.3, beating Delight Kate’s record of 1:59.4 set last year. She was bred by Gabe Prewitt, trained and driven by James Stiltner II and is owned by Lucinda Belcher.

Another impressive winner on the card was 2-year-old colt pacer Seaside Hill. The colt by first crop sire Racing Hill and out of the Western Terror mare Sebring Blue Chip fought hard to hold off Blockade and driver Roger Cullipher in 2:02.1. The colt is owned by Sarah, Carder and Carson Conrad and was trained and driven Charlie Conrad.

The next fair takes place at Mayfield on June 15 with a post time of 1 p.m. CST.  Additional fair information can be found on the KHRC website and Kentucky Harness Horsemen’s Association website and Facebook page.