by Anne Chunko

Columbus, OH — The showcase of Standardbreds at the annual Grand Circuit Classic Horse Show starts this Friday, September 26, at 6:00 p.m., sponsored and organized by the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of Ohio.

The show takes place in the Burke indoor arena at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard, Ohio, near Columbus. Friday night, starting at 6:00 p.m., offers two USDF introductory level dressage classes — one for Standardbreds only and one open to all breeds — followed by contesting classes including a barrel race, flag race, speed and control, and pole bending.

Saturday’s classes start at 8:30 a.m., and feature more than 30 classes, ranging from in-hand classes, “Jack Benny” classes, equitation and horsemanship, pleasure, trail, driving and fun classes, as well as several classes for Standardbreds only. The event also features Championships and Reserve Championship awards for three divisions, to be contested and awarded on Saturday.

The SPHO of Ohio welcomes all horse owners, in particular Standardbred owners and enthusiasts, to participate. Standardbreds currently racing as well as those retired from the track are welcome to compete, and spectators are always welcome. Competitors are not required to wear show clothes or use show tack. All breeds are welcome to compete in the many open classes.

Concessions will be available during the show. Overnight stabling and camping are is available on the fairgrounds. A concessionaire will have good food available starting Saturday morning before the show.

For a show bill or more information, please email gcc@sphooh.org or call Robin Lawson at (614) 268-5949.

For more information about SPHO of Ohio and its mission to promote the Standardbred horse, please check out the Web site at www.sphooh.org.