Lebanon Raceway in Ohio
If you’re travelling to Ohio and are looking for an entertaining alternative to the usual list of things to do, why not visit the Lebanon Raceway? Situated in Lebanon, Ohio, this half-mile raceway offers live harness racing from September through to May. Though set at a somewhat slower pace than thoroughbred racing, harness racing combines the elements of exciting live action racing with beautiful horses and the thrill of wagering.
The Lebanon Raceway was established in 1948 and has since gone on to become a respected raceway in the harness racing industry. The track has eight standing start positions and a 461-foot long homestretch. The final stretch is also 64 feet wide, which means that plenty can happen in the last few seconds of the race, and spectators often get to see their favourite horses fighting for first place right up to the very last minute. The grandstand can accommodate up to 3,000 people so there is usually plenty of place for spectators. However this was not the case on 8 April, 1967 when as many as 5,295 spectators arrived to enjoy the races. Back then, harness racing was a playground for the wealthy and the race was a major social event. Today, the attendance figures at most raceways and racetracks may have tapered off somewhat, but that doesn’t mean that the races no longer draw spectators. Thousands of people still flock to the stands to enjoy the fun and excitement that comes with most major races. There is also enough parking space for 2,600 vehicles so people generally don’t struggle too much to find a place to park.
Today the Lebanon Raceway still hosts a number of great races and oftentimes horses will make a jumpstart to their racing careers whilst on this track. Renowned horses to have raced here include Golly Too, Indian Fever and Expensive Flight. All three are now record holders. The track has also seen its fair share of drivers and trainers such as Jeff Brewer, John Perrin, Tom Horner, Sam Noble III, Jeff Fout and Jack and James Dailey. If you are lucky you may find yourself watching a prospective champion whilst visiting the Lebanon Raceway.
