The Little Brown Jug

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.

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.

Ohio Standardbreds and Friends to Equine Affaire, announces 2026 event lineup

from Ohio Standardbreds and Friends
(Chris Tully file photo)

Columbus, OH — Ohio Standardbreds and Friends announces its 2026 schedule of events, beginning with an appearance at Equine Affaire, held April 9-12 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio.

In partnership with New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, 15 Standardbreds will take center stage in a series of breed demonstrations and educational clinics, highlighting the versatility, athleticism, and exceptional temperament that make Standardbreds stand out both on and off the racetrack.

This year’s equine lineup is: Allamerican Legacy, Cheyenne Danny, Squirrelly Dan, Just Like Lloyd, I’m Drinking Doubles, Nu Day for Mac, Nyquist, Speaking Out, Little Harbor, Ryter’s Bang, Ardeen, Beware Of R Party, Fire And Smoke, Yankee’s End and Hadrian Rock. Collectively, these horses represent more than 1,200 starts and nearly $1.2 million in earnings.

Ohio Standardbreds and Friends/New Vocations demonstrations:

• Thursday, April 9 – 2:45 p.m. (Voinovich Building)
• Friday, April 10 – 10:45 a.m. (Covered Paddock)
• Saturday, April 11 – 12:15 p.m. (Covered Paddock)
• Saturday, April 11 – 4:30 p.m. (Voinovich Building)
• Sunday, April 12 – 10:45 a.m. (Voinovich Building)
• Sunday, April 12 – 2:45 p.m. (Voinovich Building)

Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Ohio Standardbreds and Friends booth in the Voinovich Breed Pavilion throughout the event to meet the horses and learn more about the breed.

A full schedule of events throughout 2026 will provide additional opportunities to showcase the Standardbred:

• May 9 – Standardbred Classic Open Show #1, Pickaway County Fairgrounds
• July 9-12 – BreyerFest, Kentucky Horse Park
• Aug. 8 – Show #2, Pickaway County Fairgrounds
• Sept. 4-6 – Standardbred demonstrations, Kentucky Horse Park
• Oct. 11 – Show #3 and High Point Awards, Pickaway County Fairgrounds

Sponsorship opportunities are available for all open shows; those interested in supporting these events can contact Debbie Schiff at [email protected] for more information.

Ohio Standardbreds and Friends is dedicated to promoting the Standardbred beyond its racing career—showcasing these remarkable horses as trusted partners in show, pleasure, trail riding, and more. With their willing attitude and adaptable nature, Standardbreds continue to win over new fans wherever they go.

Follow Ohio Standardbred and Friends on Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and event highlights throughout the year.

Delaware, Ohio March 16th Payment Reminder

DELAWARE, OHIO—Two-year-old sustaining payments for the 82nd edition of the Little Brown Jug (Grade 1), the 57th Jugette (Grade 1), the 75th Old Oaken Bucket (3-year-old open trot – Grade 3) and the 75th Buckette (3-year-old filly trot – Grade 3) are due March 16. These payments are for foals of 2024 and will be raced in 2027.

2-year-olds not nominated in the May 15, 2025 yearling payment, may be made eligible thru a supplemental nomination fee on or before the March 15, 2025 payment. This supplemental payment is in addition to the normal March 15 payment. Please visit the staking section of ustrotting.com to see the details.

Sustaining payments are also due for the 87th Standardbred two-year-old c**t and filly stakes for foals of 2024 to be raced in 2026.

The $1.2M (est.) Ohio Breeders Championships require a single $300 ($100 for the aged events) nomination payment due March 16, 2026 with no further sustaining payments required.

Also on the Delaware County Fair race schedule are $20,000 legs of the Buckeye Stallion Series (BSS) and its new Buckeye Claiming Series (BCS). To nominate to the BSS/BCS, a $250 nomination fee is due with no further sustaining payments required.

The Delaware County Fair is once again pleased to be a part of the Ohio Fair Racing Conference. The OFRC events require either a $100 nomination fee for just the Delaware County Fair or $700 for all the OFRC events. Nominations for the BSS and ORFC events must be postmarked by March 15, 2026 and sent directly to the Ohio Harness Horseman’s Association, 2237 Sonora Drive, Grove City, OH 43123.

The five-day Delaware Grand Circuit meet opens Sunday, September 20 and will run through Thursday, September 24.

Make checks payable and send all other entries to: The Delaware County Fair, Tom Wright, P.O. Box 1560, Powell, OH 43065.

For the latest news, information and nomination forms, please visit the Little Brown Jug website: www.littlebrownjug.com.



March 16 Sustaining Fees:
Little Brown Jug No. 82 – Grade 1 (3-Year-Old Open Pace to be raced in 2027) $500
Jugette No. 57 – Grade 1 (3-Year-Old Filly Pace to be raced in 2027) $400
Old Oaken Bucket No. 75 – Grade 3 (3-Year-Old Open Trot to be raced in 2027) $300
Buckette No. 75 – Grade 3 (3-Year-Old Filly Trot to be raced in 2027) $200
Standardbred No. 87 (2-year-old C**t Pace to be raced in 2026) $400
Standardbred No. 87 (2-year-old C**t Trot to be raced in 2026) $400
Standardbred No. 87 (2-year-old Filly Pace to be raced in 2026) $300
Standardbred No. 87 (2-year-old Filly Trot to be raced in 2026) $300

March 16 Nominating Fees:
Ohio Breeders Championships (To be raced in 2027) $300 or $100
Buckeye Stallion Stakes* (To be raced in 2027) $250
Ohio Fair Racing Conference* (2- and 3-Year-Old Events to be raced in 2027) $100 or $700

* Send payments to the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association

Delaware, Ohio Grand Circuit Payments Due

Sustaining payments for the Little Brown Jug (Grade 1) and the other Grand Circuit events – Jugette (3-year-old filly pace – Grade 1), Old Oaken Bucket (3-year-old open trot – Grade 3) and the Buckette (3-year-old filly trot – Grade 3) – are due February 16. These payments are for foals of 2023.

The sustaining payments are as follows: Little Brown Jug ($1,200), Jugette ($500), Old Oaken Bucket ($500) and Buckette ($400).
Three-year-old pacers not eligible after February 16 may, with a payment of $45,000, supplement to the Little Brown Jug or the Jugette for $15,000.

The Little Brown Jug, Old Oaken Bucket and Buckette will be raced Thursday, September 24 and the Jugette on Wednesday, September 23.

The 2026 Delaware Grand Circuit meet will feature five days of racing (Sunday, September 20 through Thursday, September 24).
For payment forms, please visit www.littlebrownjug.com.

Make checks payable and send all entries to: The Delaware County Fair, Tom Wright, P.O. Box 1560, Powell, OH 43065.

Jug Day Undercard

from Jay Wolf (Conrad photos)

Ms. Versatility Final Held

M-M’s Dream (Yannick Gingras) has been near the top of the division her entire career and today was no different in the $94,000 Ms. Versatility Final (Grade 3) on the Little Brown Jug undercard.

The Swan For All mare grabbed the early lead, controlled the fractions and held off late challenges from Call Me Goo (Tim Tetrick) by ½ length and Bravo Angel S (Jason Bartlett) by 1 ½ lengths in 1:53.

The six-year-old mare is owned by Hillside Stables and Frank Baldachino.
M-M’s Dream has amassed $2,049,167 during her 64-race career.
The Ms. Versatility Final is presented by Allerage Farms.

Old Oaken Bucket to Cheers Hanover

Cheers Hanover (Ronnie Wrenn, Jr.) wore down the pacesetting Whiskey Wow (David Miller) and held off a rally by Lefties Righties (Braxten Boyd) to win the $103,500 Old Oaken Bucket (Grade 3) for sophomore c**t trotters.
The winning time was 1:54.4.

Cheers Hanover won for the fifth time this season and the nineth time during his career.

The Bar Hopping gelding has won $254,848 for the partnership of Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, James Simpson and J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby.


Divine Thing Takes Buckette for Three-Year-Old Filly Trot

Country Victory (David Miller) looked to have thing under control in the $81,400 Buckette (Grade 3) until Divine Thing (Todd McCarthy) found enough daylight in the stretch to sprint clear in 1:53.2.

Country Victory held on for second and Santa Cristina (Scott Zeron) finished 5 lengths back in third.

Divine Thing has won three straight races for the ownership group of Jay Mossbarger, Brent Hopper & Kyle Gray.

Steve Carter trains the Greenshoe three-year-old trotting filly.


Prolific Fire Establishes New Stake Mark in $116,140 OBC 3FP
Greg Luther Racing’s Prolific Fire overcame the second-tier starting position and crushed her eight opponents by 10 lengths in a stakes record 1:51.

Austin Hanners got the winner away in an early third, took the lead past the half-mile station and cruised home ahead of The Word Is Out (Chris Page) and Anna Loves Bananas (Aaron Merriman).

The Catch The Fire filly took the lion's share of the $116,140 purse to push her career earnings to $267,445.

Rick Wink Victorious in Ohio Breeders Championship
By: Emily Cain

Under a confident drive by Chris Page, Rick Wink took the $116,440 Ohio Breeders Championship for 3-year-old c**t pacers in 1:50.4.

Leaving the gate from post four, Downbythewater (Dexter Dunn) got positioned near the front, followed by Swingtown (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.). At the first quarter pole, Swingtown held the lead in 27.1 with Rick Wink parked second on the outside.
Before they reached the halfway mark, Rick Wink grabbed the lead in 55.3.

Positions remained unchanged past the three quarters in 1:24.2.

At the final turn, Swingtown made one final attempt to close in on stablemate, but his late bid would prove unsuccessful.

Rick Wink won by a head over Swingtown. It was another 1 ¼ lengths back to Downbythewater.

The son of Bit Of A Legend N has won five of 11 starts this season and 13 of 20 lifetime. He has earned $589,970 lifetime.

Ron Burke trains the winner for Burke Racing Stable, RAS Racing, Knox Services, and J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby.

Emily Cain participated in the United States Harness Writer’s Association’s Clyde Hirt Journalism Workshop, where she was able to cover the 100th edition of the Hambletonian. She is a junior at Ohio University, studying journalism and sport management.

Louprint Wins the Little Brown Jug

by Jay Wolf, for Jug publicity
(Conrad photos)

Louprint proved he was one of the sport’s best after winning the 80th edition of the Grade 1 Little Brown Jug, presented by the Ohio Harness Horseman’s Association, at the Delaware County Fairgrounds on Thursday evening (September 18).

When the field of eight was sent on their way in the $500,000 final, Louprint protected his rail position and was able to set the pace with first half fractional times of :27.3 and :56.2.

Captain Optimistic (Scott Zeron) was first to come to the outside as the field went by the grandstand for the first time and applied steady pressure past the three-quarters in 1:23.4.

The pocket-sitting Odds On Outlier (Dexter Dunn) found late racing room, but thanks to a :26.2 last quarter, he could not make up any ground finishing 1 ¼ lengths behind Louprint in second, Captain Optimistic held on for third.

The homebred is co-owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Phillip Collura and Larry Karr.

The Sweet Lou c**t came into the Jug undefeated on the season, despite missing time mid-summer to recover from a surgery.

Louprint’s game efforts gave Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. his first Jug driving title. Trainer Ron Burke now has hoisted the Jug trophy five times – one behind William Haughton for the all-time mark.

“This horse is capable of anything that I ask him to do he responds…He’s a true professional,” said Wrenn. “It’s a special moment. I am trying to soak it all in.”

“He’s moved into maybe the greatest horse that I have ever trained. He has no holes in his game,” added Bruke. “I can’t wait to see him as a sire. Right now, I just want to enjoy it and race him to the end of the year and try to get him in as many races as I can.”

Louprint is now nine-for-nine on the season and is 16-for-19 during his career. His $275,000 payday pushes his career earnings to $1.6 million.

In the first elimination, Wrenn patiently waited for the early dust to settle and grabbed control of the field of seven out of post #5 and cruise to a 1:50.3 victory in gate-to-wire fashion.

The pocket sitting and stablemate Papi’s Rocket (Yannick Gingras) was 2 lengths back in second. A hard charging No Tresspassing (Scott Zeron) was third and Extra Suds (Dexter Dunn) finished in the last advancing spot.

Odds On Outlier (Dexter Dunn) was used hard early but cleared to the lead before the quarter-pole and coasted home in the second $50,000 elimination in 1:49.3.
Captain Optimistic (Scott Zeron) was 3 ¼ lengths behind the winner. Lou’s Starr (Fern Paquet, Jr.) and Snack Attack (Jason Bartlett) completed the top four and advanced to the rich final.

Odds On Outlier is trained by Melanie Wrenn for owner Odds On Racing.

LOUPRINT handily wins the $500,000 The 80th Little Brown Jug (Grade One) FINAL for 3-year-old pacing c**ts and geldings in 1:50.1.

Driven by Ronnie Wrenn Jr. for trainer Ron Burke and owners Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi and Phil Collura (who bred the c**t) and partner Larry Karr, the son of SWEET LOU (Diamond Creek Farm) is a perfect nine for nine this season, and lifetime earnings of $1,641,714.

The 1-5 favorite returned $2.60.

ODDS ON OUTLIER (Sweet Lou) finished second; CAPTAIN OPTIMISITIC (Captaintreacherous) was third.

This Little Brown Jug is sponsored by the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association

PROLIFIC FIRE blazed to victory in the $116,140 Ohio Breeders Championship for 3-year-old pacing fillies, setting a new stakes record in a hot 1:51.

Driven by Austen Hanners for trainer Todd Luther and owner Greg Luther, the daughter of CATCH THE FIRE (Sugar Valley Farm) was bred by Spring Haven Farm. Making her second seasonal victory a memorable one with a new time badge, she paid $10.00.

THE WORD IS OUT (Well Said) finished second; RYLEE TOO (Lather Up) was third, and all by sires that stand at Sugar Valley Farm

This race was sponsored by Chesrown Chevrolet Buick GMC