by Craig Grummel

Carrollton, IL — For the second year the Greene County (IL) Agricultural Fair will host the Downstate Classic for 3-year-olds.

The Downstate Classic is a stakes race for 2- and 3-year-old harness horses. The 3-year-old trotters and pacers will go to post on Tuesday (June 23) at 7 p.m. at the Greene County Agricultural Fairgrounds in Carrollton. Each division (colt pace, colt trot, filly pace, filly trot) will race for an estimated $16,000.

There will also be an Illinois Department of Agriculture 4-year-old and up pace for a purse of $7,000.

These races make this racing card the premier racing event at the Illinois County Fairs in 2015.

The Downstate Classic would not be possible at the Greene County Fair if it were not for the support of the family of the late Al Jeffers. The Jeffers family has, for the second year, made a significant donation in the memory of the noted Southern Illinois horseman. With this donation, and the support of the Greene County Fair board, the Fair was able to win a two-year bid with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Downstate Classic, Inc. to host the series of races.

The 162nd Greene County Agricultural Fair will run from June 20 to June 27. The daily schedule shall be as follows: Saturday Volleyball/Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters; Monday Queen Pageant; Tuesday harness racing; Wednesday harness racing; Thursday Tractor/Truck Pulls; Friday Mud Drags/Doug Strahan & the Good Neighbors; Saturday Demo Derby/Lick Creek. All are welcome.