by Jessica Schroeder, USTA Outreach & Membership Enrichment Coordinator

Lewisburg, WV — State Fair of West Virginia racing started Monday (Aug. 17) and closed Thursday (Aug. 20) with a total of 18 races contested over the four days.

Purses ranged from $1,050-$2,250 after splitting divisions.

Kevin Decker announced the Monday and Tuesday races, while Roger Huston announced on Wednesday and Thursday.

Jessica Schroeder photo

Jamie Coffy and Ryan Malone tied for leading driver after the four days of racing with four wins each.

Jamie Coffy, 38, from new Philadelphia, Ohio, and Ryan Malone, 33, from Clarksville, Ohio, tied for leading driver after the four days of racing with four wins each. Malone has been coming here for 16 years, Coffy for five.

Coffy drove Pathian on Thursday to a new track record for trotters, 2:01.1, which was also her 100th driving win.

“After the rain, the track was just perfect today,” said driver Jeff Lieberman. He won with Bourbon St Hanover in 1:57.3 for trainer Coffy.

“We were a little light on horses at the beginning of the week, but the grandstand crowd was really into the races each day,” said Chuck Smith, who has been working the races at the fair for 20 years. “We don’t have wagering, so this year we tried the Pick-a-Winner promotion with prizes from the fair food vendors which went over well. We’re already thinking of ideas for next year to boost our promotion of the races.”

The State Fair opens up the second Friday of August each year, with the races starting the following Monday.