Harness Racing, the Sport that built the County Fair

Fast trotting, against the watch, in a straight-line mile began the contests. Wherever horsemen gathered, it didn’t take long for racing to begin. But it took wealthy investors and philanthropists to build the wonderful half-mile oval tracks that dotted the Northeast and Middle America.

That happened in Owego early in the mid-nineteenth Century when the Owego Driving Park was built in 1871.

The Sport grew and grew. Betting was ever present and lead to the first, and in some States, only legalized wagering. But through it all, the foundation horse owners and breeders relied, and still rely on the County Fair as the place to start that new Colt or Filly.

That tradition continues on Opening Day at the Fair. Post Time is noon, immediately following a short opening ceremony. Grandstand seating is Free.

The New York Sire Stakes will offer eight races for two and three year old Colts and Fillies, at the Trot and Pace. This is where many of the fastest horses at Tioga Downs get their beginnings.  

It is fitting, then, that Jeff Gural and his team at Tioga Downs each year graciously give of their time and talent to help the Fair Board offer the best and safest possible experience for our visiting horsemen.

In a display harking back to the early years of racing, the Agricultural Society and Racing Under Saddle – New York will again present the “H. S. Mead Memorial”, Standard Bred horses racing being ridden rather than driven. The Early Owego Antique Center and Equine Supply of Nichols contribute toward the purse of this unique race.