The Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association, with unanimous approval from the Ohio State Racing Commission and Chairman Robert Schmitz, has allocated revenue from the horsemen's video lottery terminal proceeds to the Delaware County Fair for the eight Ohio Breeder's Championship races and the Little Brown Jug.

The OHHA is allocating a total of $170,000 to the purses for those races, with $50,000 to be earmarked for the Little Brown Jug purse and $120,000 to be divided equally among the eight divisions of the Ohio Breeder's Championships.

With the allocation the 2013 Little Brown Jug purse is expected to be in excess of $550,000.

“We are pleased to support the race meet at the Delaware County Fair,” noted Jerry Knappenberger, general manager of the OHHA. “County fairs have always been the foundation of harness racing here in the state of Ohio and the Delaware County Fair and the Little Brown Jug are at the center of that foundation.”

“We are very grateful for the support of the OHHA and the Ohio State Racing Commission,” added Tom Wright, president of the Little Brown Jug Society. “I appreciate that they saw the importance of the Jug in the revitalization of Ohio’s racing.”

Ohio State Racing Commission Chairman Robert Schmitz added, “Great things are happening in the state of Ohio as a result of the expanded gambling. We have seen increased breeding, better racing, new owners --- all positives for the future of Ohio racing.”

“It is very gratifying to see the VTLs at the Ohio racetracks come to fruition,” noted Phil Terry, director of marketing for the Little Brown Jug. “The amount of time the horse racing industry put into this effort was significant. I am proud to have been a part of that process.”

The Delaware County Fair will host harness racing on Sunday, September 15, Tuesday, September 17, Wednesday, September 18 (Jugette Day) and Thursday, September 19 (Little Brown Jug Day).

(Little Brown Jug)

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