With the harness racing world gearing up for its hallmark event, the Little Brown Jug, Delaware, Ohio native Jay Wolf finds himself at the nexus of excitement and preparation. As the primary figure for promotions and publicity surrounding the Jug, Jay has played an integral role in the Delaware County Fair's harness racing meet since the 1990s.
Jay's journey into the world of harness racing began with a friendship. "I became involved because a friend of mine—Lee Yokum—was the sports editor at the Delaware Gazette," Jay explained. He recalls a memorable Jug week when legendary driver David Miller captured eight races in a single day, prompting announcer Roger Huston to comment, "We think that’s a record." This event inspired Jay to research the history of the Little Brown Jug, compiling an extensive database of past winners and participants. His dedication caught the attention of Tom White, who invited him to assist in the press box—a collaboration that has continued ever since.
Growing up in Delaware, Jay was immersed in the sport of harness racing from a young age, accompanied by his father, who had served on the board of the Little Brown Jug Society. "We always went to Scioto Downs when I was a kid," Jay reminisces, reflecting on his early experiences as a fan rather than as a trainer or driver. His love for the sport was nurtured through connections with figures like the Walters family and his first job at Sugar Valley Farm.
An alumnus of Marion Catholic High School and Muskingum College, where he played basketball, Jay pursued a career in banking, holding the position of marketing director at Delaware County Bank and Trust Company for over three decades. "Horse racing is my hobby," he admits, noting that while it may not pay the bills, the camaraderie and tradition surrounding the Jug make it a cherished endeavour. "People gather for the race just as they would for Thanksgiving and Christmas."
In the realm of harness racing, Jay regards Tom White not only as a cherished friend but also as a mentor. After losing his father at 18, Jay found a father figure in Tom, with whom he shared a passion for the sport and basketball. Over the years, Jay honed his skills in handicapping horses, a talent first recognized by harness racing luminary Stan Bergstein, who championed Jay’s insights after he successfully picked Big Bad John to win the Jug.
Despite its status as harness racing’s premier pacing event, Jay acknowledges the obstacles associated with scheduling. The Jug, held on a Thursday, competes for media attention with other significant racing events. "Media people tell me they can cover the Hambletonian because it’s on a Saturday, but our Thursday slots pose challenges," he explains. Jay has worked diligently to maintain relationships with local media, ensuring that Delaware's race day receives adequate coverage.
Beyond media efforts, Jay strives to create an engaging atmosphere for fans attending the Jug. "We try to make Jug week as fan-friendly as possible," he states, emphasizing the importance of activities like speaker series and autograph sessions to enhance the live racing experience. With harness racing experiencing a decline in participation, Jay aims to cultivate an environment that draws people to the fairgrounds for fun and excitement.
The Little Brown Jug Society, consisting of a board of 25—15 of whom reside and work in Delaware County—maintains the Jug’s legacy in its home region. "If the Jug got moved to a racetrack, it would just be another race," Jay asserts. The unique charm of the Jug, held at the county fair, offers a blend of tradition and community that sets it apart from other events.
As renovations to the grandstand proceed, supported by local bed tax revenues, Jay remains optimistic about the Jug’s future. "It’s tradition, family, racing, and a county fair atmosphere all rolled up into one fantastic day," he proclaims with enthusiasm. Jay's unwavering dedication to improving the event experience ensures that the Little Brown Jug will continue to attract fans and top-tier pacers for generations to come. "We work hard to make the game day experience the best it can be," he says with resolve, constantly aiming to exceed expectations for everyone involved.