Harness racing draws drivers and spectators alike at Coshocton County Fair
COSHOCTON − A longtime staple of the Coshocton County Fair that many might consider a hidden gem is the harness racing. Races were held on the grandstand track Tuesday and Wednesday.
Harness racing sees a horse trotting at a certain gait while pulling a two-wheeled cart, called a sulky, occupied by a driver. Points are given throughout the season and the Coshocton County Fair is usually toward the end of season. Many drivers will be at the Fairfield County Fair next week.
Spectators watched from the grandstand and were able to place bets. Driver Charlie Myrick of Canton said typically you don't get hardcore gamblers, just people looking to have fun with it.
"It can be kind of tricky to read the program. You can look and see how they've been racing and a lot of people will pick a favorite driver or just like the name of the horse. You just never know," he said.
Myrick has raced in Coshocton County for more than 20 years. The late morning races in Coshocton meant he had to get up early to jog the horses. Then once at the track, they pull the cart around the track just to get warmed up.
Driver Tim Deaton was in from Northfield Park. He's competed in harness racing for 10 years.
"Just as long as it's fast and everybody's safe, that's all we can ask for," he said of the track. "People come in, bet and get to see it live and in action. It's a lot nicer in person than on TV."
Can't miss a stop at Sulky Stables Cafe
David Young II of Chillicothe is a trainer, driver and owner. His father and grandfather raised horses and he grew up around the animals. He's been to the Coshocton County Fair with horses for about nine years and has raced the past three to four, he said.
"I like the way things are ran here. It usually runs pretty smooth," Young said of the Coshocton races. "I like the fairs, because you get to see a lot of the developing talent. You get to see a lot of horses just learning how to race. A lot of times with the fairs, it can be anybody's game, compared to a lot of the bigger tracks."
One thing Young really likes about the fair is that it still has an old school track kitchen. The Sulky Stable Café offers breakfast all day and other food. Young said it's nice for people like him who have to get up early and travel far to get something to eat near the stables.
"A lot of places, even some of the larger tracks, have done away with the track kitchens," Young said.
Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @llhayhurst.
This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Harness racing at the Coshocton County Fair
