Du Quoin, IL – As the county fair and state fair season winds down in Illinois, major harness racing took place over the past two weeks at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield before moving this weekend to the Du Quoin State Fair.
Mother Nature tried to put a damper on the racing in Springfield, forcing the cancellation of one card and another to be shifted, but stakes eliminations and finals were able to be contested when the skies were clear. After the completion of elimination races during a hot Friday afternoon on August 12, over five inches of rain fell in a matter of hours in Springfield, forcing the cancellation of the Saturday card on August 13.
A couple of dark days included more rain, forcing the postponement of the card on Tuesday, August 16 as that card was moved to the following Thursday. Round the clock work by the Springfield track crew had the surface ready for the finals though on Wednesday, August 16 as the top Illinois-breds took to a fast track.
The following were the winners of the Illinois State Fair Championship races:
Two-year-old filly trot – Annas Lucky Star
Two-year-old colt & gelding trot – Polar B
Two-year-old filly pacers – Artemesia
Two-year-old colt & gelding pacers – Fox Valley Inferno
Three-year-old filly trot – Praise Singer
Three-year-old colt & gelding trot – PJ Boy
Three-year-old filly pace – Bucklegirl Bobette
Three-year-old colt & gelding pace – BS Tyriffic
This Saturday and Sunday the Du Quoin State Fair takes place as many of the two and three-year–olds that squared off in Springfield will meet once again. While live wagering is available on-site at the Du Quoin State Fair, races can be viewed online at www.duquoinstatefair.net under the "Entertainment" and "Harness Racing" tab. Post time each day is Noon.
Jim Miller