After an almost two-month layoff, harness racing returns tonight in the United States with a 12-race card at Eldorado Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio.

To celebrate the return, the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association (OHHA) will host a special two-hour Facebook Live event, with heavy hitters from the harness racing industry.

“The Voice” Roger Huston, OHHA Brand Ambassador and OHHA Outreach and Public Relations Coordinator Frank Fraas will be joined by DRF Harness Editor Derick Giwner and Meadowlands television host Dave Brower for the show.

OHHA Executive Director Renée Mancino says “we are excited to be able to offer this much racing experience and knowledge to help us kick-off Standardbred racing off in North America, this event is the first round for more formal productions that were already in the planning stages for Ohio’s outreach program.”

Huston began his career in 1960 calling harness races at Ohio county fairs. He has called more than 188,000 races throughout his career in at least 20 states and eight countries and has announced the Little Brown Jug for 52 years.

Giwner is the editor of DRF Harness for the Daily Racing Form. He has worked for Sports/Eye since 1996 and has served as the editor of the paper since 2005. Giwner has worn many hats in the industry including owner, amateur driver, track announcer and chart caller, and is also an expert handicapper.

Brower has been a big fan of harness racing since he was a teen. Currently the television host at The Meadowlands, he is also an ace handicapper, co-host of the national broadcast of The Hambletonian on CBS Sports Network and anchors the simulcast coverage of the Little Brown Jug.

This all-star lineup will discuss the return of racing to North America, handicap some of the races at Eldorado Scioto Downs and entertain fans with stories.

Tonight’s event is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. on the OHHA Facebook page. Special thanks to the sponsors that have made this possible: Kim Hill Realty, Equine Equipment, Cool Winds Farm, The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center, Hagemeyer Farms and Centerra Co-op.

(Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association)