Horse racing is a staple with the Wayne County Fair. You can bet that at some point each day throughout the course of the fair, there will be something going on involving horses. This year, on Tuesday, Sept. 13, Wednesday, Sept. 14, and Thursday, Sept. 15, starting at noon, there will be Pari-Mutuel Wagering Harness Races at the grandstand.

“It’s entertaining for people to watch the race and put a few bucks on it and pick your favorite,” said Rich Mairs, Senior Fair Board member and Wayne County Fair veterinarian.

The basics of Pari-Mutuel Wagering Races is simple; you place a minimum bet of $2 on a race and you can decide which horse will get first place, second place, third place, or fourth place. You can bet as much as you want, but the minimum is $2.

“Most of the county fairs in Ohio have Pari-Mutuel Wagering Races,” Mairs said. “The horses are tested to see if they have illegal drugs in them before the races. The state pays to make sure the horses aren’t drugged.”

Mairs said that there have been many competitors and horses compete over the years, so the races stretch across three days to accommodate everyone.

Spectators who want to bet on any of the races need to be at least 18 years of age or older.

“People enjoy it,” Mairs said. “It adds a little bit of fun and excitement to each race. It’s a fun thing to do for some people.”

So if you’re feeling lucky, come out to the races, place a few bets, and enjoy the entertainment.