The Little Brown Jug Society has announced changes to the conditions of the Little Brown Jug No. 83 and Jugette No. 58, the stakes for foals of 2025 to be raced in 2028, which will take yearling payments on May 15, 2026.

Post positions for the second heat will be determined by an open draw outside of the elimination winners, who will draw for post positions one through four (for positions one through five, if three eliminations are held).

The following language was added to Little Brown Jug No. 83 and Jugette No. 58, which was approved with May yearling payments:

If one elimination heat is held, the elimination winner will draw for positions one through three and an open draw for the remaining posts. If two eliminations are held, the two elimination winners will draw for positions one through four and an open draw for the remaining posts. If three eliminations are held, the three elimination winners will draw for positions one through five and an open draw for the remaining posts.

"The changes are designed to enhance the competitiveness and wagering appeal of the second heat while preserving meaningful incentives for elimination‑heat performance," said Tom Wright, president of the Little Brown Jug Society. "Winning an elimination still carries meaningful strategic value, but the new system should be more balanced and transparent."

Owners are reminded that the yearling nomination payments for the Delaware (OH) Grand Circuit events for foals of 2025 (to be raced in 2028) are due May 15. Also due are the nomination payments for the Standardbreds (two-year-old events) for foals of 2025 and to be raced in 2027.

The nomination fees are as follows:
Little Brown Jug – Grade 1 (No. 83) - $50.00
Jugette – Grade 1 (No. 58) - $50.00
Old Oaken Bucket – Grade 3 (No. 76) - $25.00
Buckette – Grade 3 (No. 76) - $25.00
Standardbreds (No. 88) - $25.00

Thanks to support of the Ohio Harness Horseman’s Association, all foals registered by May 15, 2026, by an Ohio registered stallion, will have their yearling nomination paid to the Little Brown Jug (No. 83), Jugette (No. 58), Old Oaken Bucket (No. 76) and Buckette (No. 76). The foal’s owner will be responsible for all future payments. Foals not registered by the May 15 date can be made eligible by Aug. 15, 2026, by paying the Late Nomination Fee.

For current stakes conditions and future payment amounts, please visit ustrotting.com.

Make cheques payable to the Delaware County Fair and mail to: Tom Wright, P.O. Box 1560, Powell, OH 43065.

(Little Brown Jug)