Located in west-central Ohio about 26 miles north of Columbus, the city of Delaware is home to many desirable tourist attractions. One of its biggest lures is Little Brown Jug, one of the top harness racing events in the country for 3-year-old horses. The Little Brown Jug comprises 5 days of racing from Sunday to Thursday, usually in late summer, and attracts an impressive 40,000 spectators a year.

History

Little Brown Jug was founded in 1939 when a half-mile harness track was built in conjunction with the relocation of the Delaware County Fair from Powell to Delaware. Developed and founded by R.K. McNamara, Joe Neville, and Henry C. Thomson, it was established as a showcase for trotting horse racing, instead of the more popular pacing horse racing, for 3 year-old-horses. Little Brown Jug received its name through a newspaper promotional contest, and held its first official racing event in 1946, with a total purse of $35,350. The first winner of the Little Brown Jug, Ensign Hanover, would go on to play a major role in the development of the race and park itself as the track superintendent. Impressively, the first Little Brown Jug was a huge success from its inception, drawing an approximate crowd size of 27,000 for its first race. Its ability to consistently draw the best harness racing jockeys and horses alike are a tribute to the hard work, entrepreneurial insight, and legacy of its founders.

Today

The Little Brown Jug boasts top-notch accommodations for spectators, providing an exciting and equally comfortable experience in its Hospitality Pavilion. The Hospitality Pavilion provides a great view of the track, all with a full, complimentary bar and great-tasting food starting with delicious breakfast entrées and ending in the late afternoon with great lunch options. The up-close, panoramic view of the track allows spectators to be just a few yards away from the action as the riders and horses make their first turn down the track. The Backstretch Hospitality Tent is another great location for horse racing fans. Like the Hospitality Pavilion, it provides a very close view of the action, albeit at the closing stretch of the race as riders and horses are jockeying for final positions. Tickets to the Backstretch Hospitality Tent provide a myriad of amenities including 5 beverage tickets and a buffet lunch. Closed-circuit TVs are also provided, along with a full cash bar and private betting tellers. Little Brown Jug is a breathtaking experience for both avid and casual sports racing enthusiasts and is one of the top attractions of Delaware, Ohio.

https://www.littlebrownjug.com/

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