by Sean Mayhugh, for the Pickaway County Fair Speed Committee

Circleville, OH — The opening of the Scioto Downs racino and other such facilities in the state has provided a financial shot in the arm for harness racing in Ohio. The Pickaway County Fair began reaping these benefits during the 2013 race meet and is set to receive even greater benefits in 2014.

The racinos’ success has already created a significant increase in purses offered for races at pari-mutuel tracks, but county fair racing has not been forgotten. In recognition of the importance of the county fairs in developing young talent, both human and equine, and for expanding harness racing’s fan base, a portion of the funds generated by the racinos has been allocated to the state’s county fairs.

Sixty-five fairs in Ohio, including the Pickaway County Fair, conduct harness racing meets. Each of these fairs will receive $22,240 to be added to stakes race purses, with an additional $6,500 to be set aside for infrastructure and general operating expenses. This will allow the Pickaway County Fair to offer stakes races with a base purse of $3,923. County fairs which do not offer harness racing will receive $1,300 each.

The prospect of increased purses has led to improvement in the state’s Standardbred program and has already led several formerly Ohio-based stables to return to the state. Here in Pickaway County, the number of horses nominated to the stakes program has risen to 208 this year, and the number is likely to increase significantly over the next few years.

Pickaway County has been able to maintain a strong harness racing program even as the industry has struggled in the state. With the positive changes occurring in the state, fair officials expect to see an even stronger program emerge here at the local level.

This year’s harness racing will open the Pickaway County Fair in Circleville on Saturday (June 21) and Sunday (June 22). Post time is 1 p.m. Admission is free and pari-mutuel wagering will be available.

Overnight races update

The Pickaway County Fair Speed Committee is pleased to announce an increase in the purse for the Pickaway County Open Pace to be held on Saturday (June 21). Thanks to an $800 grant from the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, the total purse will be $1,600, not the $750 amount advertised in the Huff’s Guide.

Trainers seeking a race for their conditioned pacers might also consider the non-winners of $2,500 in 2014, to be contested on Sunday (June 22). The purse for this race remains $500.

Sunday’s card also includes the Macs Classic Open Trot for a purse of $500.

Please consult the Huff’s Guide for information regarding OCRA stakes and racing conditions.