by Sean Mayhugh, for the Pickaway County Fair

Circleville, OH — This year’s 70th annual Pickaway County Fair will open with a harness racing meet to be held on Saturday (June 18) and Sunday (June 19).

In September 1946, a full county fair was held in Circleville for the first time in 48 years. One of the biggest events of that fair was harness racing on the brand-new half-mile racetrack which had cost roughly $5,000 to install. Contemporary news reports describe the “overflow crowd” filling the temporary grandstand and lining the rail of the stretch from turn to turn. These fans were treated to conditioned trots and paces, amateur races, and even pony races.

The 1946 meet was also notable for the driving debut of Circleville native Forrest Short, driving for his brother Harry. Forrest Short was the County Auditor at the time, but in the coming years he would become a harness racing giant in Ohio.

Since its inception in 1946, harness racing has been an important component of the fair’s success. Not only has harness racing provided entertainment for fair goers, but for many years racing matinees were held in the spring to raise money to build the current grandstand.

Additionally, the horse barns — only one of which was erected for the 1946 fair — provide year-round income from harness horseman boarding and training their horses on the grounds. These horses now fill seven barns.

The races themselves have changed in some ways as well. For instance, the number of horses coming to race has grown exponentially. In 1946, only 39 horses raced, with advertised purses totaling $2,400. Last year, in contrast, 184 horses entered to race for more than $81,000 in total purses.

This year’s racing program is expected to be even larger. Approximately 525 horses are eligible to the Ohio Colt Racing Association stakes races to be held at the fairgrounds, while new conditioned races should draw many older race horses as well. The total purses for this year’s races are expected to reach the $100,000 mark.

Saturday’s races will feature the John F. Fissell Pace for 2-year-old colts, the Tish Arledge Memorial Pace for 3-year-old colts, the Pollock Stable Trot for 2-year-old colt trotters and 2-year-old filly pacers, and the Macs Classic Open Trot.

Sunday’s races will include OCRA stakes races for 2-year-old filly trotters, the Forrest Short Pace for 3-year-old fillies, the George W. Vancamp Trot for 3-year-old fillies, the Edward “Yock” Strawser Memorial for 3-year-old colt trotters, and the Bill Mayhugh Memorial Pace for conditioned pacers.

A new feature race — the Steamin’ Demon Pace — will also be contested on Sunday. This race will be limited to one division of eight open pacers who will be competing for an estimated purse of $7,500.

Other activities include giveaway events and prize drawings to be held throughout the program on both Saturday and Sunday. Prizes include many items from local businesses and retailers.

Post time for the races will be 1 p.m. each day. Admission is free and pari-mutuel wagering will be available.