by Jim Miller

Du Quoin, IL — As the county fair and state fair season winds down in Illinois, major races took place over the past two weeks at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield before moving this weekend to the Du Quoin State Fair.

Mother Nature tried to put a damper on the racing in Springfield, forcing the cancellation of one card and another to be shifted, but stakes eliminations and finals were able to be contested when the skies were clear. After the completion of elimination races during a hot Friday afternoon on Aug. 12, more than five inches of rain fell in a matter of hours in Springfield, forcing the cancellation of the Saturday card on Aug. 13.

A couple of dark days included more rain, forcing the postponement of the card on Tuesday (Aug. 16) as that card was moved to the following Thursday. Round the clock work by the Springfield track crew had the surface ready for the finals though on Wednesday (Aug. 16) as the top Illinois-breds took to a fast track.

The following were the winners of the Illinois State Fair Championship races:

Two-year-old filly trot – Annas Lucky Star
Two-year-old colt and gelding trot – Polar B
Two-year-old filly pace – Artemesia
Two-year-old colt and gelding pace – Fox Valley Inferno
Three-year-old filly trot – Praise Singer
Three-year-old colt and gelding trot – PJ Boy
Three-year-old filly pace – Bucklegirl Bobette
Three-year-old colt and gelding pace – BS Tyriffic

This Saturday and Sunday the Du Quoin State Fair takes place as many of the 2- and 3-year-olds that squared off in Springfield will meet once again. While live wagering is available onsite at the Du Quoin State Fair, races can be viewed online at www.duquoinstatefair.net under the “Entertainment” and “Harness Racing” tab. Post time each day is Noon.