Harness Racing Kicks off 2024 Grandstand Action

ILLINOIS, July 18 - All Races Will Feature Illinois Horses

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois State Fair Grandstand will host harness racing to kick off County Fairs and Horse Racing Day on Thursday, August 8. Recognized as one of the fastest dirt tracks in the world, the one-mile track will feature strictly Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) sponsored races on opening day. Every horse that takes the track will be either Illinois conceived or foaled.

"We are proud to showcase harness racing at the Illinois State Fair," said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. "We invite everyone, particularly those who have never experienced harness racing, to join us at the fair for these exciting events."

The harness races on August 8 will feature a split card with the first post time at 11 a.m., with the second post time at 5 p.m. The first 200 spectators will receive a free t-shirt, courtesy of the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association. Admission into the Grandstand to watch harness races is free for fairgoers.

"There's no better way to watch horse racing than on one of the world's fastest tracks," said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager. "The beauty and strength of the horses, coupled with the speed and excitement of the races, creates an unforgettable experience. Best of all, it's free!"

The remainder of the Illinois State Fair harness races are listed below with post times for each day at 11 a.m.:

Fri., Aug. 9: 11 a.m. post time
- *First 200 spectators will receive a free plush horse

Sat., Aug. 10: 11 a.m. post time
- *First 200 spectators will receive a kids' coloring kit

Wed., Aug. 14: 11 a.m. post time
- First 200 spectators will receive free ice cream from Prairie Farms

Thurs., Aug. 15: 11 a.m. post time
- First 200 spectators will receive free ice cream from Prairie Farms

As a reminder, tickets are on sale now for all Grandstand shows and races on ticketmaster.com and in-person at the ISF Box Office.

August 9: Keith Urban with MacKenzie Porter

August 10: Motley Crue with Phil X and the Drills

August 11: Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit with Ashley McBryde

August 13: Jordan Davis with Ashley Cooke

August 14: Lil Wayne

August 15: Jonas Brothers

August 16: The Smashing Pumpkins with PVRIS

August 17: Miranda Lambert with Gavin Adcock

August 18: Shaboozey

Races on the world's fastest dirt track include:

August 17: USAC Silver Crown Series Racing

August 18: ARCA Super Series Racing

The 2024 Illinois State Fair runs from August 8th through August 18th in Springfield. Stay up to date with all the latest news and announcements from the Illinois State Fair by connecting with us via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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