by Tami Hartman, for the Pickaway County Fair
Circleville, OH — During the Pickaway County Fair harness racing meet, five feature races will honor and remember county residents and harness racing enthusiasts.
Three feature races will be held on Saturday (June 16). The John F. Fissell 2-year-old colt pace honors a man who has been a major supporter of the Pickaway County Fair. Mr. Fissell spent many years involved in the sport of harness racing, including an ownership role in race meets held at Scioto Downs in Columbus. He served as a race secretary there as well and, locally, was the Speed Chairman for the Pickaway County Fair for many years.
The Tish Arledge 3-year-old colt pace is sponsored by nationally-ranked trainer Jim Arledge, Jr., in honor of his late wife. The Arledge family resides in Pickaway County and, for many years, has trained horses at the fairgrounds. A Circleville native, Mrs. Arledge was herself a horsewoman who worked as a groom prior to meeting and marrying Mr. Arledge. Tish Arledge died suddenly in 2003, just shortly after celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary.
The 85th District Open Pace is named for the Ohio House of Representatives 85th district which is comprised of Pickaway, Ross and Fayette counties. The race is funded by several local horsemen.
Three feature races will be held on Sunday (June 17), honoring local horsemen. The 3-year-old colt trot will be held in honor of Circleville resident George W. Van Camp who was a longtime trainer and owner of harness horses, including world champions Steamin Demon and Worldly Woman. He and his family have also been major supporters of harness racing at the local level through their involvement with the Pickaway County Fair.
The Bill Mayhugh Memorial Pace will feature conditioned pacers. Clarence “Bill” Mayhugh was a devoted husband, father, friend and horseman. His family is still involved in harness racing. In fact, his son, Sean, is a member of the Pickaway County Fair Board and serves as chairman of the Speed Committee.
The 3-year-old filly pacers will be racing in honor of outstanding local horseman Forrest Short. Mr. Short began his career with horses by serving as a mounted orderly during World War I. By the 1950s his career in harness racing was going strong. In 1959, he trained the double-gaited world champion Steamin Demon and also won the first race on Scioto Downs’ opening night. He went on to be one of that racetrack’s leading percentage drivers for many years, while also competing regularly at The Meadows, Buffalo Raceway and The Red Mile. Mr. Short was a member of the Pickaway County Fair Board and was a member of the fair’s speed committee for many years.
Sharing the excitement and tradition of harness racing is important to all the individuals and families involved in sponsoring these feature races. On Saturday (June 16) and Sunday (June 17), this excitement will be seen at the Pickaway County Fair. Post time is 1 p.m. Concessions are available, and prize drawings will be held between races. Admission is free. Pari-mutuel wagering will be available.