by Jeff Zidek

Harrisburg, PA — The Gratz Fair has announced that the Pennsylvania Sire Stake for 2-year-old filly trotters that will take place on Saturday, July 10, has been named the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial Trot.

Beal was the president of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association and served as the Presiding Judge at Gratz for several years. He was also a breeder, owner and formerly a trainer and driver who raced on the PA circuit for several decades.

Beal passed away in December at the age of 65.

“Earl loved young trotters, so we thought we’d honor him by naming the filly trot for him,” said Tanya Schadel, Race Secretary at Gratz. “He will really be missed this year by everyone at Gratz.”

The PHHA will donate a blanket to be given to the winner of the fastest heat of the event.

The Gratz Fairgrounds, located northeast of Harrisburg in Dauphin County, will host two days of Sire Stake racing on July 10-11 at 1 p.m. Harness racing then returns in the fall for two days of action during their traditional fair week, September 19-20.