The Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC) adopted a resolution granting Ohio's 65 county fairs that conduct harness racing an additional $2.873 million for 2015 purses from the state's video lottery terminal (VLT) revenue, on April 28 at the commission's monthly meeting.

As well, the fairs will receive an additional $708,000 for operating expenses.

"The $3,581,000 in additional funding represents an 83% increase over 2014 additional support to Ohio's county fairs, which totaled $1,957,800," stated OSRC Chairman Robert K. Schmitz.

The request for additional funding came from the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association (OHHA). The $2.873 million is 7.5% of horsemen's VLT revenue from April 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015, while the $708,000 represents 2.5% of horsemen's VLT revenue during this same time period.

This distribution of funds equates to an additional $5,400 for each of the eight Ohio Fairs Fund races at the 65 fairs that conduct harness racing this year, while $10,000 would be used for racing-related expenses. The eight divisions include events for 2- and 3-year-old colt and filly pacers and trotters.

As well, 29 Ohio fairs that do not have harness racing will receive $2,000 each for operating expenses.

Kimberly A. Rinker