by Mike Wandishin, Director of Racing, Great Pocomoke City Fair

Pocomoke City, MD — The Great Pocomoke City Fair will have a day of harness racing on Saturday (August 6), with a first post of 12:45 p.m. This year’s racing card is dedicated to the memory of Jack Dolby. Both exhibition and sanctioned races will be carded and, as usual, a wide range of races contested.

The feature will remain The Jack Dolby Stars of the Future, for those aged 14-18 with some experience behind the gate and those with a matinee license will also be allowed to participate. Also on the card will be the over 50 pace/trot for “seasoned” drivers. A Powder Puff and a 9-16 mile dash are among the other races on tap. Due to popular request the “Heavyweight Challenge” for drivers over 225 pounds will also return.

It is with great pride and pleasure that we will once again be conducting USTA sanctioned races in this year’s meet in addition to the exhibition races we have conducted in the recent past. It is our hope that we will have a packed box as we have had in the past couple years. All purses will be estimated at $750. Purses will be adjusted depending upon the number of races we have (unless over ten races are carded, purses will in no case be lowered). In addition, upon entering please specify whether you wish to race in a sanctioned race with a charted line, or in an exhibition race.

The Great Pocomoke City Fair policy in regard to cancellation of the races is if it becomes necessary to cancel the races due to unforeseen circumstances, an expense reimbursement of $100 per horse will be paid. Any leftover funds resulting from a cancellation will be placed in escrow and added to the following year’s purse fund. Any entry in a sanctioned race (charted lines will be generated) requires all connections (owner, trainer & driver) to be licensed with the USTA.

The races will be contested Saturday (August 6) with first post at 12:45 p.m. There is a driver’s meeting in the race barn at 12:15 pm. The entry box opens Wednesday (July 27) at 12:00 p.m. Eastern and closes on Wednesday (August 3) at the same time (12:00 p.m.).

Entries will be accepted on-line, through the USTA’s electronic entry system or by phone to Director of Racing Mike Wandishin at 302-509-1861 or to Chuck Barnes 443-235-9009 or 410-957-2020. Entries must be made by noon on Wednesday (August 3) in any case. Draw will be posted on this site by 8 a.m. Thursday (August 4) morning.