Harness racing has changed a great deal throughout the years, some for better and worse. Terrie Conaway has been watching horse racing at the Allen co fair for 60 years and says through it all its still his favorite.
Terrie Con away said "Fairs all started with horses. People drove in on a horse and buggy, unhooked them and raced."
In recent years the purse or what the winning driver takes home has gone down considerably at Ohio's county fairs. Drivers and owners contribute a lot of this to surrounding states having casinos that have larger purses to attract more drivers.
Mike Evans said " our neibeoring states all have had casinos and all the owners, trainers, and drivers have all left the state to race for the good money.
Ohio now has 3 casino's and horse driver Mark Ward sees it as nothing but a positive for the sport.
Mark Ward " the Purse money makes it worth while because like in everything the cost goes up, including feed, and transportation. Now there will be more involvement from everyone.
With the addition of the casino's, Evans feels its only a mater of time before the sport rebounds on the local county fairs circuits.
