Indianapolis, IN — The “Roarin Grand” will make a stop at the Indiana State Fair Wednesday (Aug. 11) featuring 12 races on the card. The program begins at 6 p.m. featuring the Fox Stake, The Hoosier Stake 85, the Ralph Wilfong Memorial and The Horseman 112. This season’s lineup features more horses, bigger purses and an ensemble of talented pacers and trotters in the freshman and sophomore ranks.

Facilitated by the Hambletonian Society, Indiana State Fair racing features the 95th edition of the Fox Stake with a total of seven starters. The prestigious event saw a boost in the purse to $60,631 compared to $57,235 in 2020. The entire field features Indiana sired 2-year-old pacers with all of them possessing a mark of under 1:55.2.

The quickest thus far with the most purse earnings is The Longest Yard, who has a mark of 1:53. The son of Rockin Image from the Erv Miller barn has made three starts, winning one and finishing second twice to accumulate $34,875 already in his brief career. Michael Oosting will drive The Longest Yard from post one in the evening’s seventh race.

Joining the Fox Stake as a feature on the program is six divisions of the Hoosier Stake 85 for freshman pacers and trotters. The participation is up this year showing an increase from $21,085 to $26,498 for the 2-year-old pacing fillies, a boost from $20,677 to $22,991 for 2-year-old male pacers, an increase from $19,835 to $24,848 in the 2-year-old filly trotting division and 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters will vie for $22,936 compared to $21,776 last year.

The Ralph Wilfong Memorial will follow the Fox Stake in race eight with eight lining up behind the Mike Moss starting gate. Shamrock comes into the race, which is also experiencing a boost in purse in 2021, with a win in 1:59. The Uncle Peter colt has four starts, three of which have been top two finishes. Trace Tetrick will drive Shamrock from post six for trainer Ryan Miller.

The Horseman Stake also experienced an increase in 2021. One division for sophomore fillies and colts and geldings on both gaits will close out the program.

The Governor’s Cup consolation and championship will continue harness racing at the Indiana State Fair on Thursday (Aug. 12).