(9-2-25) When it comes to harness racing racing in Ohio you can expect to see some outstanding pacers and trotters. But this year the Canfield Fair in Mahoning County had a very special visitor.

Charlie May – Owned and bred by Don Tiger, Charlie May hit the board in 13 of 21 starts last year (2024) as a 6-year-old gelding by Mcardle won the $85,000 Ohio Sires Stakes Veterans Championship, upping his seasonal earnings to $224,230.

Charlie May claims a lifetime record (thru 2024) of 30-22-10 in 84 starts with $2,276,365 in the bank.

Charlie May received divisional honors in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Additionally, he was named Ohio Horse of the Year in 2021.

Last year Charlie May went to the Darke County Fair and broke the track record, this week he raced at the Canfield Fair and tied the track record.

So why race at a county fair? (video thanks to Canfield Fair)

Mahoning County Fair Racing in Canfield 09/01/2025

Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association

One of America’s top drivers in the sulky was Brett Miller….that makes this race even more special.

In the 12-race card on the second day of the meet, Charlie May won the Canfield Pacing Derby by nine lengths in 1:53.3 with Brett Miller driving for trainer Terry DiCicco. That matched the pacing track record set by Tan Man in 2023 and was the fastest mile of the meet. The 7-year-old McArdle gelding has 33 career victories with earnings of $2,371,319.

Giving back to the racing fan, who would never had a chance to see Charlie May and Brett Miller on the track, makes this race very special thanks to owner Don Tiger. The Ohio Fair Circuit is making harness racing viable, to bring one of the all-time great horses drivers to fair races enhances the future of the sport in Ohio.

RELATED:

2024— Charlie May’ Wins Record Breaking Gene Reigle Memorial At The Darke County Fair