The Little Brown Jug

07/12/2026

2022 Jug winner and Ohio Horse of the Year BYTHEMISSAL scored a huge upset at 55-1 to take the $135,700 (div.) William R. Haughton Memorial [G2] FanDuel Open Pace in 1:47, just a tick off the track record.

2022 Jug winner and Ohio Horse of the Year BYTHEMISSAL scored a huge upset at 55-1 to take the $135,700 (div.) William R. Haughton Memorial [G2] FanDuel Open Pace in 1:47, just a tick off the track record.

Driven by Ronnie Wrenn Jr. for trainer Ron Burke and owners Burke Racing Stable, E. Good, Rich Lombardo Racing & Weaver Bruscemi, the 7-year-old son of DOWNBYTHESEASIDE swooped the field down the stretch after being last at the head of the stretch. He was bred by Dr. Stephen P. Dey (NJ).

Captain Optimistic (finished fourth) set torrid fractions of :25.1, 52.3, 1:19.4 but was caught at the wire by SWINGTOWN (fin. 2nd, 8-3 Exacta $1,235.00). FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE was third.

The race was sponsored by VIP Internet Stable.

06/04/2026

The Ohio Chapter of the USHWA is offering scholarships to the Hirt Journalism Workshop

The Ohio Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) is offering two Ohio based journalism students the opportunity to participate in the Clyde Hirt Journalism Workshop from August 4 - August 8, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The college or grad student will learn through writing and editing sessions, tours and reporting drills. Students will be asked to file stories focusing on one of harness racing’s biggest events, the $1-million Hambletonian (August 8).

There is no cost to the student during the workshop – meals and lodging expense are covered by USHWA and travel expenses (up to $500) will be covered by the Ohio Chapter.

Any Ohio college journalism student or resident interested is asked to submit an application and writing samples by June 24, 2026. For an application, please contact Jay Wolf at [email protected].

05/09/2026

The Little Brown Jug Society has announced changes to the conditions of the Little Brown Jug No. 83 and Jugette No. 58, the stakes for foals of 2025 to be raced in 2028, which will take yearling payments on May 15, 2026.

Post positions for the second heat will be determined by an open draw outside of the elimination winners, who will draw for post positions #1 though #4 (for positions #1 through #5, if three eliminations are held).

The following language was added to Little Brown Jug No. 83 and Jugette No. 58, which was approved with May yearling payments:

If one elimination heat is held, the elimination winner will draw for positions #1 through #3 and an open draw for the remaining posts. If two eliminations are held, the two elimination winners will draw for positions #1 through #4 and an open draw for the remaining posts. If three eliminations are held, the three elimination winners will draw for positions #1 through #5 and an open draw for the remaining posts.

“The changes are designed to enhance the competitiveness and wagering appeal of the second heat while preserving meaningful incentives for elimination‑heat performance," said Tom Wright, president of the Little Brown Jug Society. “Winning an elimination still carries meaningful strategic value, but the new system should be more balanced and transparent.”

Owners are reminded that the yearling nomination payments for the Delaware (OH) Grand Circuit events for foals of 2025 (to be raced in 2028) are due May 15. Also due are the nomination payments for the Standardbreds (2-year-old events) for foals of 2025 and to be raced in 2027.

The nomination fees are as follows:
Little Brown Jug – Grade 1 (No. 83) - $50.00
Jugette – Grade 1 (No. 58) - $50.00
Old Oaken Bucket – Grade 3 (No. 76)- $25.00
Buckette – Grade 3 (No. 76) - $25.00
Standardbreds (No. 88) - $25.00

Thanks to support of the Ohio Harness Horseman’s Association, all foals registered by May 15, 2026, by an Ohio-registered stallion, will have their yearling nomination paid to the Little Brown Jug (No. 83), Jugette (No. 58), Old Oaken Bucket (No. 76) and Buckette (No. 76). The foal’s owner will be responsible for all future payments. Foals not registered by the May 15 date can be made eligible by Aug. 15, 2026, by paying the Late Nomination Fee.

For current stakes conditions and future payment amounts, visit www.ustrotting.com.

Make checks payable to the Delaware County Fair and mail to Tom Wright, P.O. Box 1560, Powell, OH 43065.

04/15/2026

Next Generation Payments Due

From: Eldorado Scioto Downs

Photo: Setyoursightshigh captured the 2025 Next Generation for 2-year-old filly trotters on her way to capturing the Dan Patch Award for her division. (Conrad photo)

Next Generation Buy-In Due
Nominations are due starting Wednesday (April 15) for the $150,000 est. Next Generation events, to be held at Eldorado Scioto Downs on Saturday, July 4. If less than 10 (10) $8,000 entries are received by April 15, the nominations will stay open with a $10,000 nomination fee due May 15.

Each of the four 2-year-old divisions is limited to nine (9) entrants each with (8) spots needing purchased in order for an event to fill. If less than 10 slots are purchased within any of the individual deadlines, all purchasers are guaranteed a spot and not subject to a lottery drawing. Once nine slots have been purchased by any of the given deadlines, the event will be closed.

Checks should be made payable to Eldorado Scioto Downs and sent to:
Eldorado Scioto Downs
Attn: Race Office
P.O. Box 07823
Columbus, OH 43207

The pacing events have been held since 2020 and have been won by the likes of Charlie May, Sea Silk, Sling Shock and Swingtown. Trotting divisions were added in 2021, with horses like Jurassic Hattie, Setyoursightshigh, Spaaaanzano and Big Ranger taking top honors.

Complete conditions can be found at https://horsemen.ustrotting.com/stakes/conditions.cfm.