by Darrell Baird

Findlay, OH — The Hancock County Fair was awarded two $1,500 matching grants from the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association to help promote harness racing at the 2018 Hancock County Fair.

One of the grants was for a race in memory and honor of “Doc” Schoonover. The second was for the Hancock County Agricultural Society Pace. The HCAS Pace is being held in recognition of the Fair Board’s support of harness racing and commitment to the fair’s speed program.

Hobart “Doc” Schoonover was a lifelong supporter of harness racing. He was born in McComb, Ohio, in 1918. He graduated from The Ohio State University and was a practicing veterinarian until 1980 when he retired. Doc drove his first race in 1949 and continued his winning ways, becoming the oldest winning driver at the age of 93 when he won at the Attica Independent Fair in 2011. He also found the winner’s circle at ages 91 and 92. He specialized in training young trotters and enjoyed racing at the fairs. Doc, his wife, Ruth, and twin daughters, Sharon and Sandy, spent many summers traveling to fairs throughout Ohio making countless friends and enjoying the competition. He was always available to help a fellow horseman with advice or share stories from his experiences working with horses.

In addition to training and driving Standardbreds, Doc also dedicated his time to the sport by serving as a judge and timer at the Hancock County Fair for many years and represented the industry by serving on the Hancock County Fair Board. In 2004 he was awarded the OHHA District 1 special recognition award for his contributions to the Standardbred industry. In 2010 he was inducted into the Northwestern Ohio Colt Racing Association Hall of Fame. For his work as a trainer and driver he was inducted into the Hancock County Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. He was also inducted into the Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2016.

Doc’s twin daughters have continued their father’s legacy by supporting the races at the Hancock County Fair.

The horse races at the 2018 Hancock County Fair will be contested Wednesday (Aug. 29) at 1 p.m. and Thursday (Aug. 30) at 6:30 p.m. at the south grandstands. The HCAS pace will be contested on Wednesday. This year’s featured race in memory of “Doc” Schoonover will be held Thursday evening.

Along with the fun and the friends be sure to stop by the Racing With The Stars tent to spin the wheel for trivia, prizes, and laughs on Wednesday. You’ll also get to play Text Trivia from the comfort of your phone as several times during the Wednesday program we’ll be asking questions that can be easily answered with info in your program.

An added feature this year is the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association’s Racing With The Stars 2018 fan contest. Just fill out an entry blank before the scheduled RWTS race and when your name is announced come on over to draw a horse’s number. If your horse wins, you are in the winner’s circle for the celebration like an owner. You’ll get a copy of the official win photo and an OHHA prize package that includes a $25 grocery gift certificate. It’s open to all. No age limits. And it’s all free. And you’ll be making memories with your family and friends that will last for years to come.

Thursday features live musical entertainment in between races. Admission to the races and grandstands are free with paid fair admission. Attendees are welcome to visit the barn area and meet the local participants and horses.