by Tami Hartman, for the Pickaway County Fair

Circleville, OH — Two local men will be serving as honorary starters for the Pickaway County Fair harness racing meet being held on Saturday (June 16) and Sunday (June 17).

Saturday’s honorary starter is Dr. Thomas Ebenhack. Dr. Ebenhack opened his veterinary practice after graduating from the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 1974. He operates a successful clinic in Circleville and serves as a State Veterinarian as well. It is in this capacity that he has worked the Pickaway County Fair harness racing meets for many years.

Mr. Jack Pontious will serve as an honorary starter on Sunday. Along with being in the military, working for the US Postal Service, and owning and operating his own business, Mr. Pontious began handling electrical projects for the Pickaway County Fairgrounds 60 years ago, and has been in charge of the fairground’s sound system for the past 50 years.

The official starter for this year’s races will be Mike Woebkenberg, a veteran starter who acts as starting judge at both Scioto Downs in Columbus and Lebanon Raceway in Lebanon, as well as many county fairs around the state.

Unlike Thoroughbred runners, harness horses start a race on the move, following a mobile starting gate mounted on a vehicle. It is the starter’s responsibility to see that horses are lined up in the proper positions behind the gate, to set and maintain an appropriately increasing speed as the horses approach the start line, and to make the official “go” call, starting the race. The starter may also recall the start in particular situations, such as broken equipment.

This year’s honorary starters will accompany Mr. Woebkenberg in the starting gate and will receive a plaque commemorating their experience and recognizing their support of local horsemen and harness racing at the Pickaway County Fair.

Post time for the races will be 1 p.m. on both June 16 and June 17. Prize drawings, including Cincinnati Reds tickets and Phoenix Golf Links gift certificates, will be held between races. Pari-mutuel wagering will be available. Admission is free.