We began our journey back home. It had been an unforgettable week. I am so very glad I was able to be in attendance for such a monumental week of racing. As much as I did not want to leave I could not wait to get home and tell my friends in Canada how amazing my trip had been.
To pass the time in the car, I pulled out my Ipad and began to type… Every year thousands gather at the Delaware Fair Grounds to watch harness racing history…
They gather to watch the Little Brown Jug. The Little Brown Jug happens during a week of racing which coincides with the Delaware State Fair.
It may be called the Little Brown Jug, but do not let the name fool you; it is a big deal. It may not be the richest race in harness racing, but it is certainly one of the most prestigious races a horse can win. The Little Brown Jug is unique because one horse must win two races on the same day.
This year was the 70th edition of the Little Brown Jug, and I was lucky to be attending. My parents and I went for the week of the Jug- Monday to Friday. The Juggette took place on Wednesday, and the Little Brown Jug Thursday!
On Monday afternoon when we arrived at the Delaware Fairgrounds, I was overwhelmed with excitement, it was the first day of an unforgettable week of racing. I was awestruck. My heart was beating with excitement. I had arrived for Little Brown Jug Week!
I was stepping out my car, when someone yelled from behind me "Go see Wiggle, I just put him in his stall." I was not sure who it was at first, but it turned out to be Wiggle It Jiggleit's caretaker Rudy. I was full of wonder and excitement. I was going to be the first one to see Wiggle It Jiggleit in his stall after arriving to compete in the upcoming Little Brown Jug.
I walked in to the Jug Barn and right over to him. His head was out. I reached to stroke his forehead while I marveled at his beauty. I talked to him, told him how handsome he is and how I could not wait to watch him race on Thursday, and that I would be for cheering him. I sat for a minutes and then gave him a goodbye kiss.
The barn was beautiful and peaceful. I could feel an essence of honor in the air. There was a slight breeze. The breeze was like the breaths of past champions who were once in the very same barn. I walked around the circular barn gazing at all the beautiful horses and looking at the empty stalls still remaining that would soon be filled by champions.
My parents and I walked to the grandstand to watch to take in the day's card of racing.
It was mesmerizing how I could faintly hear bells ringing, people screaming with delight while soaring into the air on carnival rides. And yet here I was watching the races, it was as though two worlds had collided, but they were working together in perfect harmony. There was the timelessness of harness racing along with the dazzling sights and sounds of the carnival. The races were spectacular.
I was in awe. I could not even fathom what Wednesday and Thursday would be like, for now I could only imagine.
After watching a few races my parents decided to walk around and see the rest of the attractions. We stopped at a booth to get some Little Brown Jug souvenirs. There was so many great sweaters, t-shirts and hats it was hard to choose. I decided to get a pretty black t-shirt with a harness horse and 'Little Brown Jug' in rhinestones.
We continued to walk around and saw Chris Tully on his 'Jug Mobile'. We were walking between the midway and the grandstand. There were a variety of vendors and this added to the excitement of being there.
On our travels we met a gentleman by the name Joe McLead of Sugar Valley Farms in Delaware. He invited us to Sugar Valley Farms on our way home on Friday. He asked us if we were going to be here tomorrow. I said, "No, tomorrow we are going to the Columbus Zoo".
He explained that he had a friend at the Columbus Zoo and he would make our visit extra special. He handed me his business card, and asked me to call him later to finalize the detail for our trip to the zoo tomorrow. With that, we returned to the rail to watch the remainder of the day's races.
The races were great and they went by fast. We indulged in popcorn and ice cream. Before I knew the last race for the day been raced and the day was over. So, we headed back to our hotel room.
The next morning we woke up and headed to the Columbus Zoo. I had heard nothing but great things about the Columbus Zoo, and I was very excited to actually have the opportunity to see it in person.
At the Columbus Zoo. I got to feed a giraffe- it was kind of like feeding a horse! I also got see many other great animals. After a very exciting day at the zoo, we headed back to our hotel. We had another great day.
The Columbus Zoo was amazing, and it was all thanks Joe McLead and everyone at the Columbus Zoo. If you are ever in Columbus, Ohio I recommend making a visit. I cannot wait to visit again.
It is hard to believe that tomorrow was Jugette Day, and that I was about half through my vacation. I dreamed of what the next two days would be like.
That morning I woke up with a smile. It was Jugette Day! In a few hours a new filly would be crowned as harness racing's princess, and a new filly would have her place in harness racing history. I walked into the Jugette Barn where all the very pretty fillies were getting ready for their big day. I walked around the barn wishing everybody good luck.
We left and headed up the hill! The excitement was spine tingling. I, along with my parents were blessed to be able to watch the races from the tent on the first turn. The view was stunning; I could see the whole track. The late morning air was warm on my back. The sun was shining and horses were jogging on the track.
We ate some breakfast and not too long after the call to post was played for the first race. The horses stepped out onto the track. It was so captivating to watch the race from the first turn. I had never seen a race from that angle before. Watching the race from the first turn, it was much different and unique.
After a few races we went to experience the grandstand as it was bustling with activity. People were going this way and that, placing bets, buying snacks and Little Brown Jug apparel.
There was a sense of overwhelming excitement in the air. Everyone was waiting to see which filly would be harness racing next top filly.
Back at the tent, I was enjoying a delightful lunch when a gentleman came up and introduced himself. He is a friend on Facebook. His name was Mark Weaver; (no, we are not related). We had a lovely chat. He said that he has a horse in the Jugette- Sassa Hanover. He invited me out to the Winner's Circle if Sassa Hanover happen to win the Jugette.
My parents and I made our way over to grandstand. When we arrived there were people getting cameras ready, people were standing near the rail and everyone was waiting to see the top fillies of racing make their way onto the track for the first division of the Jugette.
The trumpets sounded and the voice of the Little Brown Jug -Roger Huston began to call out the horses in the post parade. Each filly stepped out with a sense of poise and elegance. You could see the determination each one had.
I found a spot along the rail and watched the odds board flicker as they changed. I gripped the fence tighter, and tighter with excitement as each minute disappeared off the tote board. My mom took the cap off the lens of her camera and began to take to pictures.
The fillies lined up behind the gate for the first division of the Jugette. In both divisions the top four finishers would move on into the final. Sassa Hanover was in the second division.
The six fillies in the first division were behind the starting gate as the wings closed. With every stride they picked up speed until it looked like they were all flying.
In the background, over the thunderous pounding of hooves, the booming voice of Roger Huston could be heard. The field passed me for the first time my heart was beating. Everyone was screaming with excitement but just as fast as the fillies appeared they were gone again. I began to cheer as I watched them whip off the final turn. Drivers were screaming too. Everyone in the crowd was cheering as the horses drew closer to the wire. First number 3 crossed, then 2 followed by 4 and 5. They were the four fastest in the first division and the four that would be moving on to the final.
Every filly in that division raced incredible. I was very proud of all of them. I was processing the first division, it was nothing short of spectacular.
The next race was the other division. Sassa Hanover was going against five equally talented fillies. Who would secure the other four spots in the final of the 2015 Jugette? I wondered, only time would tell.
The second division entered onto the track with the determination to win on their mind. They were all ready to win, but only one filly could win.
Roger Huston called the post parade as the fillies entered the track, getting ready to race.
In less than two minutes, four fillies would be going back to the barn and prepping to face four other rivals in the final. The six fillies lined up behind the gate. As they left, I cheered. Sassa Hanover has post 6.
As they left from behind the starting gate, they filed into position. As the fillies passed the grandstand for the first time I became full of adrenaline. Fillies were changing positons before my eyes.
They made their way to the three-quarter poll with their driver's in tow, and their whips were ready. With each stride each filly pushed with power to finish as they drew closer and closer to the wire Sassa Hanover took the lead! She had cleared, I was cheering, Sassa Hanover had won her division.
The eight fillies had been decided, they would return and compete against each other for the title of 2015 Jugette winner.
With the three races remaining before the Jugette, the anticipation grew. I was thinking about the Jugette, who will win the Jugette. Who will I see go into Juggette history?
Finally, the moment was here! I gripped the fence with greater excitement. In less than two minutes a new filly would join 44 other fillies who won the prized Jugette.
Each filly re-entered onto the track with an even greater presence than before. They made their way behind gate. I held my breath. The start car whipped passed me and everyone in the grandstand cheered! I cheered. As they round the first turn I could not take my eyes off of the track.
Horses were battling it out for top spot. They were nearing the half way mark! Half way to go! I cheered even louder. Around they went again! One more lap and then the winner would be crowned! I heard their thundering hooves, drivers were yelling and the fans in grandstand got louder and as they approached the wire. Within the final strides Sassa Hanover took my breath away with every stride she took. She had won!
Sassa Hanover and Matt Kakaley had won the Jugette in 151.1. That was race was one of the most exciting races I had seen! My dad and I walked through the gate and across the track to the winner's circle. I could feel my heart beat. I met up with Mark Weaver and congratulated him and his partners.
There was a frenzy of media ready and waiting to take pictures of the 2015 Jugette winner with her driver. Matt Kakaley entered the Winner's Circle and all the cameras exploded with flickers of light. Once the media had subsided the track photographer took the official Jugette photo. Before Matt Kalaley was called aside away to do an interview, I had an opportunity to congratulate him on his very exciting winning drive.
We left the Winner's Circle, I had a big smile on my face. The words Wow and exciting echoed in my mind. I felt so fortunate to be a part of Jugette history.
A little while later, I went back to the Jugette Barn to take in the scenery, now it was almost empty. I was just about to leave when I turned around and I had a lovely face staring at me. It was Sassa Hanover. I told her how pretty she was and how amazing she raced. She left to go and have some well-earned dinner.
I was invited to attend the Pre-Jug Party in support of New Vocations following the races. It was such a great night in support of a great organization, with many memories made. I saw two of my friends Jody Jamieson and David Menary which was a nice surprise.
That night I laid in bed thinking about our trip as whole up until today. Tomorrow was the big day- tomorrow was the Little Brown Jug! I fell asleep to the pounding of hooves and the voice of Roger Huston echoing in my head!
I woke the next morning with butterflies in my stomach. Today was the day- it was Little Brown Jug Day! I put on my Little Brown Jug shirt I got on Monday, I thought it was perfect for the occasion.
I stepped out the car and I could feel this vibe in the air; there was sense of importance and it felt like a special day!
I walked into the Jug Barn to wish a final "good luck" to everyone. The barn was with busy with caretakers bathing horses, trainers observing, and camera crews filming. I walked out of the barn. I walked down the path; the drivers who would be driving in the Jug later today were doing an autograph session. My mom opened our souvenir Jug program and turned it to the program page where all the horses and drivers were listed, she passed it to me.
It was so great to be able to wish the drivers' good luck for the day ahead. After getting my program signed, and talking briefly to each driver, my parents and I headed up to the tent to grab some breakfast. The weather was hot and humid, but it was still a gorgeous day.
This overall feeling of pure happiness surrounded me. The races were exhilarating and fast paced. The closer it came to the first division of the Little Brown Jug the more people I saw both fill the grandstand and the tent.
After a few races there was a sense of anticipation developing one race until the first division. I came to the realization that even though it was called the Little Brown Jug- there was nothing little about it. For the residents of Delaware Ohio, and everyone connected to harness racing it was a big deal!
I was excited! We found a spot just beyond the finish line, closer to the first turn. I was in the position to watch the greatest series of races. I was in position to cheer.
The first horses who were looking to have a chance to win the coveted Little Brown Jug circled the track getting ready. The horses seemed full of determined and the drivers looked nothing but stern and focused.
The horses and drivers lined up behind the gate. The gate let them go. The crowd roared with excitement. They reached the half, and I was intently watching. As they rounded the turn, the grandstand screamed with excitement. The horses came into view I screamed with delight. Lost for Words had won the first heat; with Yankee Bounty, Rockin In Heaven, Split The House not too far behind him.
With the first division of the heat complete, I began to wonder if there would be a race-off.
The announcement of the next heat interrupted my pondering.
This heat was more intense than the one before; all eyes were on three year old Champion Wiggle It Jiggleit! The field entered the track. This was going to be a race like no other!
The field lined up behind the gate in the blink of an eye they were gone. It looked like the horses were flying. Their hooves appeared not even to be hitting the track! Everyone was hollering for Wiggle It Jiggleit as the field round the turn, heading to the half. I could feel my heart pounding. I watched with admiration. I could not take my eyes off the track.
They passed the three quarter poll. I took a deep breath and began to cheer.
The closer the horses got to the finish line the louder everybody cheered. The final stride of Wiggle It Jiggleit played in my mind in slow motion. Montrell Teague and Wiggle It Jiggleit had done it- they had won the second division of the Little Brown Jug. Wiggle It Jiggleit, Artspeak, My Hero Ron, and Arque Hanover would be moving onto the final.
My dad and I made our way to the gate. The Teague family had invited me out if they happen to win. I was so honored and excited to join them.
There was three races left until the second heat of the Little Brown Jug!
The race that followed the second division of the Little Brown Jug had five Canadian horses, this race felt like I was home. I was happy to see Bax of Life win for trainer Jerry Duford.
After exhibiting hometown pride; it was time for the race of all races- it was time for the 70th Little Brown Jug! I weaved my fingers through the gaps in the fence; I had butterflies in my stomach. I was nervous with excitement!
With the call to post played the horses entered the track. During post parade I could not take my off the track. Again, all eyes would be on Wiggle It Jiggleit! Could he do it again? Lost For Words, the winner of the first division was also on the radar. The time was now- for the Little Brown Jug!
Everyone was poised and ready behind the gate. This was going to be a race like no other. They were off! Everyone roared as they horses fought for positions. I was nervous as they came to the half- I screamed, and everyone in the grandstand did too! The cheering was deafening.
Lost for Words was on leading the way and Wiggle It Jiggleit was moving on the outside. I was holding my breath. The end was near and Lost For Words was in sync with Wiggle It Jiggleit. I was focusing on the two of them when Roger Huston said "Stride for Stride". He was right; stride for stride had never been so close.
Legs were flying. Lost For Words and Wiggle It Jiggleit were battling it out until the wire. Lost For Words and Wiggle It Jiggleit had crossed the wire the exact same time! Everyone was waiting with baited breath. No one was sure who had won. Everyone was in shock. Had Wiggle It Jiggleit won the 2015 Little Brown Jug? Or had Lost For Words won?
Moments later it was announced Wiggle It Jiggleit had won the Little Brown Jug. He had the longer nose that day. The grandstand thundered in jubilee. My dad and made our way to the Winner's Circle. As we did, I was still replying the events in my head. That was one of the most thrilling races I had ever watch and I did not want a moment of it.
The Winner's Circle was filled with pure joy! There was more of a media frenzy than the day before. I congratulated all of Team Teague in the Winner's Circle. I was honored to be a part of their truly special day.
I was crossing the track from the Winner's Circle to the grandstand when Montrell Teague caught up to me carrying the yellow roses to give out along the rail. He stopped and turned to me, he handed me one. "Thank you very much" I said. I was so touched.
There was one more race and then Little Brown Jug day was over for another year as Wiggle It Jiggle It had successfully conquered two races within hours there was going to be no race off.
We began to head to back to the Jug Barn as it was now open again. I was on my way to meet Dr. Mitchell, who is the official track vet for Little Brown Jug Week, she also teaches at Columbus Community College. During our chat she showed me the tools she and her team use to collect urine; I thought it was very interesting. She explained to me what she does, and important her job is. It gave me even more insight into the behind the scenes of harness racing. It was very kind of her to take the time to talk to me during her very busy day and I was most appreciative.
I was on my way to the Jug Barn. I ran into Joe McLead, who happen to have the Little Brown Jug blanket and I had the pleasure of trying it on. I saw some friends and chatted with them briefly, we talked about the excitement that the day had brought. One person even said it was the best Jug that they had seen in decades.
I felt so blessed I could be present for the Little Brown Jug of 2015! I finally made it to the Jug Barn. There were journalists and other fans trying to talk to Team Teague and see Wiggle It Jiggleit. I saw Wiggle It Jiggleit from afar. After the people had begun to file out, I had a special opportunity to get up close with the champion.
Chris Gooden is a wonderful photographer, he had arranged to take some photos of Montrell Teague, and I; and photos of Wiggle It Jiggleit and me! I felt truly blessed for the special opportunity.
After meeting many more people, we headed back to our hotel for the final night. Tomorrow we would be heading home. I fell asleep again replaying the memories of today. The last four days had been so amazing. It all felt as though I was in a dream.
The next morning I awoke; I was filled with delight. I was filled with happiness because I had met many wonderful people and countless memories were created, all of which I will never forget. I also was happy because although my trip was coming to an end; I still had one final stop to make.
We were going to make the visit we planned to Sugar Valley Farm, which Joe McLead had invited us to on Monday; as the farm was on our way back home.
We arrived at Sugar Valley Farm. It was beautiful. We were greeted by two lovely ladies- Kathy and Aslan. They led us to a spot beside one of the barns, where there was an ATV. We were going to see the mares and foals in the field on the ATV! I was very excited.
I had never really seen foals and weanlings in the field that close up before. This was a very exciting way get my first close up experience. There were a few foals who put their cute and tiny little noses directly in my lap.
After seeing the babies and mares we started to make our way back to the barn, but not before stopping to see some of stallions that were outside in their fields. Then we headed into the barn to see the rest of them.
At Sugar Valley I got to see: I'm Gorgeous, My MVP, Mr. Wiggles, Dragon Again, Whosurboy and Upfronthannasboy.
Meeting Mr. Wiggles was amazing after watching his superstar son win the prestigious Little Brown Jug. There were many similarities between both of them, they are both are so handsome. I was so lucky to have my picture taken with him too.
All of the studs at Sugar Valley Farms are so regal looking.
Sadly again we were off. I got the feeling the Little Brown Jug was something one did not attend only once. I hope to return again for another Little Brown Jug. The Little Brown just is such an extraordinary experience that should be enjoyed by anyone who likes harness racing and I recommend everyone go at least once.
My trip to the Little Brown Jug was nothing short of amazing. To those I did not mention in this story, your kindness did not go unnoticed. You may have not made it in my story, but you made it into my heart. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jason Settlemoir and Phil Terry. Without them my trip would not have been as memorable and special.
Sydney Weaver is 15 years old and resides in Acton, Ontario, Canada. She has been involved with harness racing for years, grooms horses, jogs them on the track, owns a racehorse and has already won major youth writing awards. Sydney also has Cerebral Palsy and spends most of her time in a wheelchair, but has never let her disability hold her back from achieving her goals.