The 75th running of the Little Brown Jug, one of North America’s most coveted races, will be held this year, but without spectators because of the COVID pandemic.
Hosted by the Delaware County Agricultural Society since 1946, the Little Brown Jug is the third and final leg of pacing’s Triple Crown.
Usually it attracts a crowd of around 40,000 fans. This September the Delaware County fairgrounds will be deserted apart from horses and essential personnel.
“It is a disappointing day for us. We have been working diligently with the Delaware County Health Department,” said Tom Wright, director of racing and president of the Delaware County Agricultural Society Board. “We respect the directive and will do our part to make sure we have a safe event for all.”
The event in Delaware, Ohio is named after Little Brown Jug who won 17 races, including a world record in 1881, and was inducted into harness racing’s Hall of Fame.
The race has had some great champions.
The great Tar Heel produced the first two-minute mile in 1951. Adios Butler broke the two-minute barrier with a 1:59.2 in 1959 and went on to become the first triple crown winner, while Bret Hanover won in 1:57.
Lonestar Legend became the first 1:50 performer in 2008 with his 1:49.3 mile with the current record held by Betting Line’s 1:49.0 in 2016, a world record for a three year old pacer on a half-mile (800m) track.
