Harness racing is a beloved tradition at the Knox County Fairgrounds, where trainers and drivers work tirelessly to prepare their Standardbred horses for competition. Lou Anne Wise, a Mount Vernon resident, is one of many curious spectators who marvel at the beauty and grace of these horses as they train on the half-mile track each morning. With around 60 Standardbreds calling the fairgrounds home year-round, the atmosphere is bustling with activity and dedication.
The Ebersole and Sons Racing Stable is one of the major stables at the fairgrounds, where Linda and Jeff Ebersole board and train nine horses. With a lifelong passion for harness racing, the Ebersoles have dedicated themselves to breeding, training, and racing Standardbreds. Their sons, Luke and Logan, have also followed in their footsteps, becoming successful drivers in the industry.
Hagerman Racing, led by Herman Hagerman and his wife Morgan, boards and trains 40 horses at the fairgrounds. With a recent milestone of 1,000 career wins, Hagerman’s dedication to the sport is evident in his daily routine of training 30 to 35 horses. The thrill of racing and the bond between horse and trainer keep Hagerman motivated to continue pursuing success in the industry.
Kurt Lepley, a Gambier resident, has a long history of working with harness racing horses and currently trains his 3-year-old colt, Rainrock, at the fairgrounds. Lepley’s passion for the sport runs deep, as he recalls his early days helping the Rine family clean stables and eventually owning his own horse. With a focus on breeding and training, Lepley understands the highs and lows of the sport but remains dedicated to his pursuit of excellence.
Elizabeth Tolley, originally from Tennessee, moved to Ohio to continue training Standardbreds after the Michigan race tracks closed down. With 10 horses at the fairgrounds, Tolley’s daily routine involves training, racing, and caring for her horses with unwavering dedication. Despite the challenges and demanding schedule, Tolley feels blessed to be living her dream in the world of harness racing.
As the harness racing season at the Knox County Fair approaches, trainers and drivers are gearing up for an exciting lineup of races. With post times set for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, spectators can look forward to thrilling competitions featuring talented Standardbreds. The OHHA sponsors a significant portion of the racing events at the fair, showcasing the skill and dedication of the trainers and drivers who call the fairgrounds home.
In conclusion, harness racing at the Knox County Fairgrounds is a vibrant and dynamic community of passionate individuals who share a love for these majestic Standardbred horses. From the early morning training sessions to the exhilarating races, the dedication and hard work of trainers and drivers shine through in every aspect of the sport. As the 2024 racing season unfolds, spectators can witness the beauty and excitement of harness racing at its finest.
