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Weather causing scheduling issues with fair harness racing.
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.
UPDATE: The fair association has made the decision that harness racing will take place beginning at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10.
PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Colt Stakes Harness Racing, scheduled for today at the Mason County Fairgrounds, has been cancelled, due to the weather. Harness racing had been scheduled to take place Sunday, Aug. 8 and today, Aug. 9.
“After working on the track all day yesterday, last night we had everything worked in our favor,” said Marcia Hansen of the Western Michigan Fair Association. “Even though significant rain didn’t happen overnight, it has already this morning.” Hansen said the Michigan Harness Horseman’s Association and Michigan Department of Agriculture-Fairs Division officials are trying to come up with alternate plans.
“Those races would be completed in time to prep the track for the Tractor & Truck Pull at 7 p.m.”
“In order to comply with the race regulations, the races have to held during a window of time beginning two days before the opening day of fair and two days following the closing of fair, which would be Sunday to Sunday. The dilemma of course, is it becomes a domino effect. How do we keep the track in harness horse racing condition, especially for high dollar Colt Stake races and still conduct grandstand events of automotive barrel racing, Supercross racing and demo derby that tear up the track?”
Hansen said an announcement will be made later today or Tuesday morning. The harness races generate a significant income for the fair association.
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