by Tami Hartman

Circleville, OH — This year’s Pickaway County Fair will open with a two-day harness racing meet to be held on Saturday (June 21) and Sunday (June 22) at the Circleville fairgrounds.

As in previous years, each day’s program will honor individuals important to harness racing in the county. Saturday’s program will feature Barbara Porter as Honorary Starter. Porter is a long-time supporter of racing in Pickaway County and served for several years as a member of the Speed Committee. Although she has relocated to South Carolina, she continues her support by sponsoring the Macs Classic Open Trot.

Saturday’s program will also include a presentation in memory of Sam “Chip” Noble III who passed away earlier this year. Noble was one of the top trainer/drivers in the sport of harness racing, but he was also a fixture at the Pickaway County Fair. Based on USTA figures from 1992 to the present, Noble started 117 times as a trainer here in Circleville with a record of 34-22-22 and earnings of $54,420. As a driver, he started 191 times with a record of 65-37-31 and earnings of $98,791. These statistics make him both the leading trainer and leading driver for the Pickaway County Fair.

Featured races on Saturday include the John F. Fissell Pace for 2-year-old colts, the Tish Arledge Memorial Pace for 3-year-old colts, and the OCRA stakes races for 2-year-old colt trotters and 3-year-old filly pacers. Saturday’s card will also include the Open Pace for a purse of $1,600. This purse is possible largely through the support of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association grant program.

On Sunday, the Honorary Starter will be Ruthayn Mertz. In her position as a Fair Board Director, Mertz has been an important contributor to the success of the fair’s 4-H/FFA activities, the harness racing program, and the fair as a whole.

Sunday’s races will include OCRA stakes races for 2-year-old filly trotters, as well as the Forrest Short Pace for 3-year-old fillies, the George W. Vancamp Trot for 3-year-old fillies, Edward “Yock” Strawser Memorial Trot for 3-year-old colt trotters and two overnight events for older horses — the Macs Classic Open Trot and the Bill Mayhugh Memorial Pace for conditioned pacers.

Giveaway events and prize drawings will be held throughout the program on both Saturday and Sunday. Prizes include items from local businesses and retailers, as well as ticket packages from the Cincinnati Reds and the Columbus Zoo (courtesy of Richardson Supply).

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