by Susan Wilson, Vice President of Racing & Simulcast, Lebanon Raceway

Lebanon, OH — The support that has been shown to the horsemen at Lebanon Raceway who lost their stables in the devastating December 5 fire has been overwhelming. Not only have horsemen from around the U.S. and Canada stepped forward to help get these guys back on their feet, but people who just heard about the tragedy that have no direct connection to our business have stepped forward with thoughts and prayers as well as donations.

At 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, the doors were opened to the ship-in barn so that the Barn 16 horsemen could get their first look at the equipment that has been coming in for the past couple of weeks. I think that to say that they were shocked would be an understatement. Each trainer had a stack of new and gently used equipment and supplies labeled with their names. There were also stacks of coolers, winter blankets, hopples, boots and bits that they were able to go through and take what they wanted.

A lottery was held on the jog carts, race bikes and tack trunks that had been donated to determine who went home with what. We also held a lottery for a 3-year-old filly that was graciously donated and she now is the corner stone for the rebuilding of the Scott Kinner Stable.

I would like to thank everyone who went above and beyond any of our expectations to help get our horsemen back on their feet. The shipments of tack from Georgia, Florida and Canada mean more than words can express. Schliesser Enterprise Inc., our on-track tack shop, received boxes upon boxes of merchandise that was distributed to the horsemen Wednesday. We appreciate all that Lue and Tammy, as well as their vendors, have done to help our horsemen. I would also like to thank everyone that helped with sorting and putting together all of the equipment after it was delivered to us.

On Saturday, December 19, there will be a benefit dance for the Horsemen of Barn 16 held at Lebanon Raceway. The dance will begin at 8 p.m. in the lower level of the grandstand. Music will be provided by the Richard Lynch Band. There will be food and soda provided. The Winner’s Circle Bar, located where the dance is taking place, will also be donating half of all their sales for the night.

We will also be having both a silent and a live auction taking place throughout the night. There have been many things donated for the auctions. A short list includes Kings Island passes, a set of Evolution racebike wheels, an autographed painting of John Campbell, a pop up blind bridle, and numerous sports memorabilia items.

Admittance to the dance is only $10. All money collected through both admission and from the auctions will be given to the Barn 16 Donation Account.

On Sunday, December 20, the Applebee’s in Middletown, Ohio will be having “Lebanon Raceway Barn 16 Dine to Donate Day.” Anyone dining at Applebee’s on Sunday between 11 a.m. and midnight that takes in a flyer for the Dine To Donate program will have 20 percent of their bill donated to the Barn 16 Donation Account. Flyers are available at Lebanon Raceway in our live programs, at the customer service desk, in the race office and at the dance. So please take this opportunity to treat your family to Applebee’s for lunch or dinner and at the same time help our horsemen.