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*** UPDATED x1 - “Celebrity” race CANCELED ***

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*** UPDATE *** Today’s “celebrity” harness race has been canceled. Apparently, all the other cancellations have created a crowded card today and they can’t get to us. So, maybe tomorrow or Thursday. I’ll let you know.

[ *** End Of Update *** ]

* SJ-R

Horsemen worked in their barns and watched the sky instead of racing at the Illinois State Fair Monday afternoon as all racing for the day was once again canceled due to unfavorable track conditions.

Heavy rain Thursday, a morning shower Monday and bits of rain in between forced officials to cancel races on Friday, Saturday and Monday because the 1-mile track was too muddy. But officials hope rescheduled races set for today, Wednesday and Thursday will go off without any trouble.

“I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and there has never been three cancellations of horse racing,” state fair race manager Jim Hannon said Monday.

“So far we’re keeping our fingers crossed. I’m looking at the track right now. We’ll be ready to race tomorrow if there’s no rain,” he said, adding that there isn’t much workers can do aside from watch the dirt dry and hope it doesn’t get wet again.

I’ll be competing once again in the “celebrity” harness race today at 1 o’clock, barring yet another rain cancellation. The forecast looks pretty good, so keep your fingers crossed. So take a late lunch break at the fairgrounds today and bring a corn dog to the Grandstand.

* By the way, because of this race and a big birthday party for members of my family, blogging could be pretty light this afternoon. I’ll have my laptop with me, though.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 12, 14 @ 9:27 am

Comments

  1. Have a great time, Rich.

    Comment by walker Tuesday, Aug 12, 14 @ 9:47 am

  2. For the Love of Pete, did he really have to say “watch the dirt dry”? Here come the Tea Party smaller govt hits pointing this terrible waste of tax dollars.

    Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Aug 12, 14 @ 9:52 am

  3. When it comes to dirt flying and slipping through mud, our intrepid political reporter has more experiences than a back hoe.

    I would like to see that.

    Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Aug 12, 14 @ 9:58 am

  4. Oh man, you’re gonna have to dry clean your silks for the second day in a row.

    Comment by A guy... Tuesday, Aug 12, 14 @ 10:35 am

  5. Someone lend this man a Go-Pro!

    Comment by Original Rambler Tuesday, Aug 12, 14 @ 11:47 am

  6. Monday, I heard a radio broadcast that said the cancellations have been due to a serious outbreak of equine herpes.

    Comment by Beau Joe Tuesday, Aug 12, 14 @ 12:36 pm

  7. Do they have a maximum weight limit for the harness drivers? I wouldn’t want to have to contend with PETA supporters down there in Springfield when I came down to enjoy the fair on Thursday.

    Comment by Coffee Cup Tuesday, Aug 12, 14 @ 8:30 pm

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