by T.J. Burkett, Executive Editor, Hoof Beats

Columbus, OH — Racing fans attending the Little Brown Jug festivities at the Delaware, Ohio, Fairgrounds will once again have the opportunity to meet and chat with harness racing’s stars during the fourth annual USTA Speakers’ Series.

On the morning before the Wednesday (Sept. 21) Jugette card and the Thursday (Sept. 22) Jug card, some of harness racing’s top trainers, drivers and handicappers — including the connections of Little Brown Jug favorites Roll With Joe and Big Bad John — will meet with fans in a “press conference” to discuss what it takes to get to — and win — the most prestigious pacing test in the U.S.

The series will be held in the Marie Hill Pavilion of the Jugette barn on the Delaware, Ohio, County Fair backstretch. The USTA will be holding drawings for merchandise giveaways after each session. Attendees include:

Wednesday, Sept. 21 (First post is 11 a.m.)
8 a.m.–8:45 a.m.
Handicapping the Jug card with announcer Roger Huston, along with commentators Sam McKee and Dave Bianconi
9 a.m.–9:45 a.m.
Talking Jug with Ron Potter and David Miller, trainer and driver, respectively, of hometown favorite Big Bad John
10 a.m.–10:45 a.m.
Learning the joys of racehorse ownership with Jessica Schroeder, USTA Outreach Coordinator

Thursday, Sept. 22 (First post is 11 a.m.)
8 a.m.-8:45 a.m.
Training the best: A chat with trainer Jimmy Takter, who was recently elected to the Living Hall of Fame
9 a.m.-9:45 a.m.
Talking Jug with Ed Hart and Ron Pierce, trainer and driver, respectively, of Jug favorite Roll With Joe
10 a.m.–10:45 a.m.
Mr. Harness Racing: A chat with Hall of Fame driver John Campbell