LIMA — Race lovers will want to check out the Allen County Fair as harness racing is set to take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the grandstands.
Two and three year-old colts and fillies will be racing under the authority of the Ohio Colt Racing Association. Both trotting and pacing races will be held at the free admission event.
Monday will feature the Dunlap-Renner Memorial race. Tuesday will feature the Ohio Ladies Pace and the Allen County Supertrot.
Almost all North American races are at a distance of one mile. Most races are run on tracks constructed solely for harness racing some with banked turns. North American harness horses earn a “mark” (a record), which is their fastest winning time at that distance. Harness races involve a good deal of strategy.
Though the vast majority of races are one mile, races are contested on several different size tracks. Lima has a half-mile track. Certain horses are better on the smaller tracks and others are better on the 1-mile tracks because there are fewer turns. Also, on the shorter tracks, early speed is important.
Standardbreds used in harness racing tend to be more muscled and longer-bodied than thoroughbreds. They also are of more placid dispositions, as suits horses whose races involve more strategy and more changes of speed than do thoroughbred races. Standardbreds are considered people-oriented, easy-to-train horses.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Harness Racing
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 23 and Tuesday, Aug. 24
WHERE: Fair grandstands
ADMISSION: Free with paid admission to the fair