Jay County Fair - Portland, Indiana

Portland, Indiana is the home of the Jay County Fairgrounds.  Harness Racing commenced around the Portland  oval in 1871, with the very first Jay County Fair.  Racing has continued until the present, at the same location.  In 1890, horse barns were built, along with the construction of a 2^nd grandstand.  The fair board decided to discontinue Harness Racing in 1982. 

Moreover, the fair board gave its blessing to the Jayland Trotting Association to continue the sport of Harness Racing.  After this turn of events, the Jayland Trotting Association was reinstated, with Ted Montgomery serving as President and $50 in the Treasury.  Greg Runyon was named Speed Superintendent.

For many years, the Jay County Fairgrounds hosted a Memorial Day matinee session.  In addition, they offered races for money on one or two separate occasions during the Summer.  To this day, they continue to host two sessions of racing.  An asset to Indiana Horsemen, Portland fills in the empty spots in the fair racing schedule.  They attempt to hold their racing at times most useful for the horsemen.

During their yearly events, all of the work is performed by the members of the Jayland Trotting Association.  Printing programs, selling sponsorships, working the track, and manning the concession stand only touch the surface of their toils.  Every cent earned during their events is put back into the track or the track equipment.

In 1994, the fair board asked Greg Runyon to put together a race program for Friday afternoon of the Jay County Fair.  It was the first time for racing to be held during the actual fair since it had been halted in 1982.

During the past few years, many of you may have noticed a bit of a "facelift" to the fairgrounds.  One obvious change was the addition of a new barn.  With the implementation of "Build Indiana" funds during the past 10 years, one of the original barns was completely renovated.

Over the years, both race dates at Portland have been quite successful.  It is not unusual to see over 100 horses entering to race for each program.

In addition to providing a venue for Indiana Harness Racing, the Jay County Fairgrounds serves as a training facility for many horsemen.  For example, Jerry Landess, member of the USTA Board of Directors, has based his operation from Portland, Indiana for many years.

After years of service, Greg Runyon (with lots of help from his wife, Jane Ann) continues to serve as Speed Superintendent of the Jayland Trotting Association.  Other officers are: Steve Prescott, President; Mike Lewellen, Vice President; Norma Nichols, Secretary; and Tim High, Treasurer.