Welcome to Ohio Fair Season. OHHA is pleased to continue to broadcast live fair races. You can catch those races on our YouTube Channel or on HarnessRacingOhio.com, where you can also grab a copy of the program an hour before post time!
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After finishing third in each of the first three legs of the Ohio Sires Stakes, Rose Run Boom may have an opportunity to shine on Sunday (July 12), as he drew the rail and opened as the 9-5 favorite in the second of two $75,000 divisions of the fourth leg for sophomore colt trotters at Northfield Park Racino. The 16-race card, which also includes two $75,000 divisions of the first leg of the OSS for freshman colt pacers, begins at 6 p.m.
One week after winning their respective $150,000 Next Generation races, freshmen Made For More and Commanders Moni return to Eldorado Scioto Downs on Saturday (July 11) to kick off what their connections hope is a successful 2026 Ohio Sires Stakes campaign. Scioto Downs is hosting seven $50,000 divisions of the first leg of the OSS for freshman trotters — three for fillies and four for colts — on Saturday as part of a 16-race card starting at 5:25 p.m.
Driver Marvin Luna and trainer Tony Alagna teamed to win both $75,000 divisions of the fourth leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes for sophomore colt pacers at Northfield Park Racino on Monday (July 6).
All four divisions of the Next Generation for freshmen Ohio sired horses on Saturday (July 4) at Eldorado Scioto Downs were tightly contested, creating exciting races for those trackside and who joined to watch via the simulcast show or on Fox Sports. Trainers Daren Harvey and Vernon Beachy scored their first career wins in the series with Don'ttruckwithme and Made For More, respectively.
Six $50,000 divisions of the fourth leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes for 3-year-old fillies went behind the gate Saturday (July 4) at Eldorado Scioto Downs. Four divisional winners set new lifetime marks, with the last winner of the night, Vanna By The River, demolishing her previous best by over three seconds, winning in 1:50.
A winner in the third leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes as a 43-1 longshot, sophomore filly trotter Charlotte Elise is looking to build on that success in the fourth leg on Saturday (July 4) at Eldorado Scioto Downs. She faces some talented competition, but her connections believe in her potential despite an underwhelming freshman season last year.
Ronnie Gillespie knows what it takes to get colt trotters to the winner’s circle in the annual Next Generation races. He’s won that division as both driver and trainer the past two years. This year, though, he’s looking to achieve victory with a filly. Knox Services, meanwhile, is looking to add to its eight Next Generation victories.
The Ohio Sires Stakes is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association encourages fans to partake in the festivities. As part of this golden anniversary season, the OHHA is hosting a 50th Celebration Tour Reunion Night on Saturday, July 4, at Eldorado Scioto Downs.
Trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. had four winners in the third leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series for 3-year-old colt pacers on Saturday (June 27) at Eldorado Scioto Downs. There were six $20,000 divisions with the fastest going in 1:50.4, setting new lifetime marks for Morgan Jr.-trained Odds On Sugar, as well as Tim Lane trainee Yacht Rock.
Touchedbythesea is the only sophomore male pacer with multiple Buckeye Stallion Series wins this year and is seeking his third such victory on Saturday, June 27, when Eldorado Scioto Downs hosts six $20,000 of the third leg. He opened as the 2-1 favorite in what lines up to be a highly competitive fifth division.
In the equine industry, it may be hard to find someone as multifaceted as Christina “Chrissy” Johnson. Though her initial dream was to be a Thoroughbred jockey, she fell in love with harness racing once she was introduced to it and has been everything from a driver, trainer, and outrider to a blacksmith, transporter, and equine dentist and dental educator. This year, she’ll add one more role to that list — international competitor.
This year marks the golden anniversary of the Ohio Sires Stakes. For some, it’s a time to celebrate the memories and glory from the past 50 years. For others, the focus is on what lies ahead. That’s the case for the field of 2026 OSS competitors as they began their quest toward a championship on May 2 at Miami Valley Raceway. Pet Project and Tom Largo were among the victors that day, and their connections hoped that was the start of more success to come in this milestone season of the OSS.
Wyatt Farmer, a 21-year-old harness racing driver, is a rising star in the sport. Having already suprassed $1 million in career earnings, he is hopeful for not only more success in his future but also for other young people to follow in his footsteps.
Big Ranger was named Ohio's 2025 Horse of the Year after a remarkable undefeated season that included winning the Ohio Triple Crown. Facing unimaginable tragedies, driver and trainer Ronnie Gillespie persevered with Big Ranger, showcasing both his and the horse’s resilience.
Dana Parham has made a name for himself in harness racing with his Odds On Racing stable. His journey began in his youth, and he has since transitioned from a successful betting background to a significant presence in horse breeding and ownership.