Even though fair racing is an unparalleled way for newcomers who otherwise would never be exposed to racing to view the sport in close proximity, it has become nearly non-existent in recent years in Ontario. The work of individuals like Tom Lindsay, however, is trying to stop this trend.

On Saturday, July 21, people from around eastern Ontario will gather in Lansdowne for a day of harness racing and other horse-related events, during the three-day long Lansdowne Fair.

Putting together three, five-horse fields is the goal, relays the man who already believes that he may have nine entries of the 15 they are hoping for. Lindsay’s plan is for two fields of pacers and one of trotters, if entries allow. They will go two heats on the day, totaling six races throughout the afternoon card. To try and make the races as fair and competitive as possible, the organizers study past form of the horses and then put together the fields.

There is no starting gate, so a rolling fair start is used as a substitute. Lindsay insists that there are never any problems with the method. “Everyone is here to have fun so everyone makes sure they all get a fair start,” Lindsay told Trot Insider.

“We have Standardbred Canada sending us a cooler, OHHA is doing the same, and then we have three local sponsors who are giving a blanket out for the winners. This year will be a bit different in one way though,” Lindsay revealed. “We had someone who had been involved in the races at the fair for years pass away in the last year. Some of the local sponsors have gotten together, and one of the races this year will be in the memory of Gord Hart. It will be special to see a race dedicated to Gord.”

There’s no pari-mutuel wagering on the races at the fair so funding for the races comes from the fair itself, and local sponsors. Every entrant will however, be given an appearance fee, which does not change if your horse wins or gallops around the track and finishes last.

“We have had a good turnout the last few years, we were back up to 12 horses last year and the number keeps going up,” said Lindsay. He illustrated that it's tough to get entries early because most people won’t put their horse in to go until less than a week out. In the past they have gotten horses who have missed the box at Kawartha Downs or Rideau Carleton for that weekend, so they choose to race at the fair instead. Lindsay also said that some of their entries come from stables whose horse is either ready to qualify or just qualified, and are in need of a start to sharpen up.

Lindsay credits the spike in horses entered to race at the fair in recent years to a raise in the appearance fees handed out. The races also take place on a very good track. “We race on Mark Steacy’s half-mile farm track,” Lindsay told Trot Insider. “The track is in very good condition because of that.”

With this year’s theme of 'Come horse around with us', the people from the Lansdowne Fair are trying to prove that fair racing is still very much alive, and important to the growth of the sport.

Entries for the fair races can be made by contacting Tom Lindsay at (613) 484-3159.

(A Trot Insider exclusive by Justin Fisher)