from the Wisconsin Harness Horse Association

Monroe, WI — The “Harness The Stars” tour is heating up just as the days of summer are heating up in Wisconsin. Horses and drivers make their next stop on the 2011 tour as harness racing returns to the historic oval in Monroe at the Green County Fair on Sunday (July 24). Post time is bright and early — 10:30 a.m.

Although last year’s races were canceled due to heavy rains preceding race day, the racing circuit is optimistic and eager to race this year on what used to be a stop on the prestigious Grand Circuit. One of those eager to climb into the sulky is Living Hall of Fame member Del Insko of South Beloit, Ill. Del has been a staple at the Green County Fair for decades and driven more than 4,750 winners to earnings of $29 million.

Many of the tour’s leading stars will be in Monroe competing for points on the Wisconsin Harness Racing Circuit as well. Local driver John Remley of Monroe always seems to have a win or two up his sleeve for his hometown fair, while two-time and reining Driver of the Year, Gabe Wand of Shullsburg, is putting together his 2011 campaign.

The circuit has a new warrior as 17-year-old Ben DeLong of Clinton, Wis., (currently second in the driver standings) has his eye on becoming the youngest Driver of the Year in Wisconsin history. Incidentally, the current record holder for the youngest Driver of the Year is Ben’s father, Jay, also of Clinton.

The Wisconsin Harness Horse Association will be sponsoring a t-shirt toss by the local drivers prior to post time and will have drivers on hand to answer questions from the grandstand. After the races, be sure to stop by the barn area to see harness racing’s stars up close and personal. On the way out of town, be sure to stop at one of the many local cheese shops — after all Monroe is the Cheese Capitol of the World.

For more information regarding the day’s events or any of Wisconsin’s harness races, go to WisconsinHarnessRacingTour.com or contact WHHA President Gabe Wand at 608.574.5468.