Delaware County Fairgrounds - Delaware, OH
Posted by: Mr. 0
N 40° 18.929 W 083° 04.491
17T E 323702 N 4464839
The site of the Little Brown Jug, one of the most prestigious 3-year-old pacing races in North America. Located just north of downtown Delaware, Ohio.
Waymark Code: WM1B9Z
Location: Ohio, United States
Date Posted: 03/23/2007
Views: 154
The 1/2 mile track was originally built in 1939, shortly after a decision to move the fairgrounds from nearby Powell, Ohio, closer to Delaware. Spectators and participants alike enjoy this track for its steep banks, and fast pace. The Little Brown Jug is a yearly event, and is the middle race of the Triple Crown of Harness Racing for Pacers.
Although this race is held once yearly on the third Thursday after Labor Day, the week leading up to the race is met by many festivities by the friendly local folks in this small central Ohio town. Starting on the Sunday prior to the Little Brown Jug is the All Horse Parade through downtown Delaware. Many horses of different varieties can be see, with some pulling antique carriages, sleighs, fire equipment, etc. This day also kicks off the Delaware County Fair. Every day before the race there are smaller horse races at the track.
The track itself is somewhat unique in that spectators are afforded the possibility to meet some of North America's finest riders, owners and trainers, due to the fact that the backstretch stable areas are all open to the public. On the day of the Little Brown Jug many people arrive early to "tailgate" and stay late into the evening after the race to enjoy the festivities.
The first Jug in 1946 was won by Ensign Hanover with Delaware's Wayne "Curly" Smart driving. Curly was awarded with a purse of $35,358.
The great Tar Heel, driven by Del Cameron, produced the first two-minute mile in 1951. Adios Butler, reined by Clint Hodgins, broke the two-minute barrier with a 1:59.2 clocking in 1959 and went on to become the first triple crown winner.
Bret Hanover, with Frank Ervin in the sulky, added to Jug lore in 1965. After Smart-directed track maintenance crews scraped the racing surface following 24-hour rains, Bret Hanover won in the sensational time of 1:57.
Bret's time remained the fastest until 1977 when Governor Skipper, driven by John Chapman, won in 1:56.1. Hot Hitter was the 1979 victor in 1:55.3, Niatross in 1980 in 1:54.4, and Million Dollar Cam set the Jug record in 2002 in 1:50.2.
Visit Instructions:To post a Visit for a waymark in this category, you will need to physically visit the track described in the waymark. If possible a photo of yourself at the track should be included in your log. Feel free to post some photos of the races you attended and of the fine animals you've seen. Did you have a photo taken with a Jockey?
You do not need to enter the track or attend an event to post a visit. However a photo of you outside the track with some racecourse signage is requested.
If you would like, share a story about your visit. Did you bet at the track? How much did you win? How much did you lose?