by Tami Hartman

Circleville, OH — Three harness horsemen with strong ties to the Pickaway County Fairgrounds will be remembered as part of the racing program on Sunday (June 18). Each of these men was an important part of the horse racing community in Pickaway County.

Michael Levernier began his harness racing career at the age of nine, cleaning stalls at the Madison County Fairgrounds. He worked in the industry for 50 years as a groom and trainer. For many years, Levernier had his own stable based in Circleville. In fact, Barn 2 at the fairgrounds continues to be referred to as “Levernier’s barn” by the other horsemen, despite his retirement several years ago. Levernier was a former member of the United States Trotting Association, the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, and the Pickaway County Harness Horsemen’s Association. He passed away Dec. 20, 2016 at the age of 71.

David (Dave) Abbott was a Circleville native and long-time harness horse trainer. It was at the Pickaway County Fairgrounds that Abbott jogged his first horse. After working for Ohio harness racing greats like Chip Noble and Marty Wollam, Abbott established his own stable, training at the fairgrounds in Circleville for many years. He found great success with stakes colts at fairs around the state. A few years ago, Abbott relocated to Florida, and it was there that he passed away suddenly on April 16, 2017. He was 52 years old.

T.D. Van Camp II was born in 1939 and moved to Circleville as a child. The Van Camp family was extremely important to harness racing in Pickaway County and beyond. Their Circleville-area farm produced several world champions. T.D. Van Camp shared this interest in harness racing and was a strong supporter of the Pickaway County Fair racing program. He was also active in the community. In addition to working as an asphalt paving contractor, Van Camp served as president of the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, as well as the local United Way and Chamber of Commerce. Van Camp was also a 50-year member of the B.P.O.E. and a Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow. He passed away at home on May 13, 2017.

Representatives of the Levernier, Abbott, and Van Camp families will be part of the remembrance to be held Sunday during the races.