from the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association

Columbus, OH — The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, the Ohio State Racing Commission, OSRC Chairman Bob Schmitz, and Mountaineer Gaming (Scioto Downs) have approved checks for $15,100 each to the 65 Ohio county fairs that conduct harness racing.

A check for $700 has likewise been approved for those fairs that do not have harness racing programs at their venues.

These funds are from the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s VLT funds, with $11,600 slated to be used for the Ohio Fairs Fund races. When combined with the Ohio Fairs Fund allocation of $1,354, the base purse for the eight stakes races will be $2,804.

If any of the races are cancelled, these allocated funds must be returned to the OSRC, and the funding that came from the Ohio Fairs Fund must be returned to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

The remaining portion of the check ($3,500) is to be used for racing-related and general operating expenses.

Per an agreement between the Ohio Fair Managers Association and the OHHA, the 29 fairs that do not conduct harness racing will each receive $700. This allocation from the Horsemen’s VLT funds may be used for general operating expenses at these fairs.

Checks will be distributed by the OSRC on June 1.