The future of harness racing in Ohio is becoming brighter, including at the county fair level, with the introduction of racinos in the state.
Part of the revenue from racinos is going into harness racing, providing money for increased purses at both the pari-mutuel facilities and the county fairs.
The Wood County Fair is one of 65 fairs in the state which will benefit from the revenue-sharing. Owners, trainers, drivers and fans will see an increase of $1,450 in purse money for each of eight races at the county fair Tuesday. The racing program is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
‘‘That ($1,450) more than doubled the base and that really helps. The base was originally $1,354 and that’s all based on pari-mutuel wagering and that has gone downhill every year,’’ said Pemberville resident John Konesky III, a long-time owner, trainer and driver. Konesky is a past president of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and was on the executive committee of the OHHA which determined how to distribute the revenue.
Part of the revenue from racinos is going into harness racing, providing money for increased purses at both the pari-mutuel facilities and the county fairs.
The Wood County Fair is one of 65 fairs in the state which will benefit from the revenue-sharing. Owners, trainers, drivers and fans will see an increase of $1,450 in purse money for each of eight races at the county fair Tuesday. The racing program is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
‘‘That ($1,450) more than doubled the base and that really helps. The base was originally $1,354 and that’s all based on pari-mutuel wagering and that has gone downhill every year,’’ said Pemberville resident John Konesky III, a long-time owner, trainer and driver. Konesky is a past president of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and was on the executive committee of the OHHA which determined how to distribute the revenue.