Buchy optimistic about racing future
By George Starks 

Greenville-With the 2013 harness horse racing coming to an end Friday at The Great Darke County Fair, Ohio State Representative, Jim Buchy said the sport is growing and getting stronger. 

With the largest purse in the history of the fair coming in the Gene Riegle Memorial Friday (20k), Buchy said the future is bright. 

“I think the purse will be even bigger next year,” Buchy said Saturday. “”I can see the purse for this race hitting six digits one day. With the race tracks and casinos working together, the sport is making a big comeback.” 

It was just a few years ago that many believed harness racing was a dying sport because of the lack of interest by the younger generation as well as the lack of spectators. 

That is not the case anymore. 

“The crowd for the ninth race Friday (Riegle) was astronomical. It was the largest crowd I’ve seen there in a very long time,,” said Buchy. “I don’t know how much money was being wagered on the race but things were held up because of the lines at the betting booths. It was just a great night for our fair.” 

With two track records being broke on Friday, the trotters during the day and the pacers that night in the Riegle, Buchy said he was excited. 

“I couldn’t believe two records were broken Friday,” said Buchy. “With the 20,000 dollar purse, there was three records set Friday. I was so excited about the racing itself because many of then went down to the wire. We had one photo finish and a judges inquiry. It was just a great night and I really think next year will be even better.” 

Currently, Ohio has more county fairs for harness racing than any other state but yet, the Buckeye State lacked in areas of importance behind Indiana and Pennsylvania. 

“We were losing ground as far as foal being born here in the state and we were the leader in that category for many years,” Buchy pointed out. “We were losing ground quickly. Now, with the help of the casinos and new racinos, we are back in business.” 

Not only is the sport being saved but changes are starting to come on in Ohio. 

“The tracks are no longer building barns to stable horses, they are using paddocks,” said Buchy. “This way, horses coming in won’t need to be stabled. They will use the paddock and will race when it’s time. After that, they are put back on the trailer and will go home that night. No need to house them now. This saves a lot of money and actually produces revenue by cutting costs.” 

Being from farm country here in the county, Buchy once again touched on the impact that harness racing has on the local economy. 

“People just don’t realize the impact harness racing has on agriculture in the county,” Buchy exclaimed. “These horses has to be fed and in the process that takes crops being grown to take care of them. They have to have hay to eat and straw to bed down in. They have feed and are in need veterinary services. These horses generate a lot of money for the local economy. Many only see them racing but it goes much deeper than that. They need people to take care of them and someone gets a job. I’t more than just a race, it’s a business. 

“Think about the money that was wagered just on the Riegle,” Buchy continued. The fair keeps a portion of that money that was wagered. It’s a winning situation for everyone involved.” 

Buchy concluded by saying that next year’s purse for the Riegle Memorial should be even higher than this year. 

Who knows, one day a $100,000 may become a reality.