Trio Of Local Harness Horses Score Victories

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Director of Agriculture Jerry Costello prepare to join Kyle Husted in the winner's circle last Saturday at DuQuoin.

By KURT BECKER

DUQUOIN -- A trio of local harness horses scored victories on Saturday at the 98th annual DuQuoin State Fair, including wins in the co-featured events. 

Get E Up, with trainer Kyle Husted of Altamont in the race bike, captured the $33,000 Governor's Cup for Illinois-bred, two-year-old pacing colts and geldings as the 1-5 favorite in a time of 1:57 for the one-mile distance. Winning for the fourth time in six starts, Get E Up increased his career bankroll to $57,875 for Husted and co-owners David Brigham of Litchfield, MI, and John Schwarz Jr. of Wood Dale, IL. 

In the co-featured Darn Safe Stakes for two-year-old trotters, also for a purse of $33,000, Fox Valley Cairo prevailed by nearly two lengths as the 1-2 favorite for owner Dean Biggs of Altamont. Co-owned by Dr. Robert Lacey of Nokomis and trainer Mike Brink of Springfield, Fox Valley Cairo triumphed in 1:57 while winning for the fifth time in eight starts. Ridge Warren drove the gelding, who now boasts earnings of $57,443. 

Both Get E Up and Fox Valley Cairo had won $40,000 Illinois State Fair Colt Stakes championships the prior week at Springfield.

Also on Saturday, Aqua's Bud pulled a mild upset at odds of 4-1 in winning the $7,000 County Fair Challenge for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings for trainer-driver Darla (Martin) Lohman of Effingham. Winning for the third straight time and for the fifth time overall this season, Aqua's Bud drew clear by nearly four lengths in the stretch to boost his career earnings to $11,500 for owners Larry Longnecker of Sumner and Lacy Longnecker-Motch of Bridgeport. 

The racing scene moves next to the Pana-Tri County Fair, with post-time set for 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.