Barnes Honored with Indiana State Fair
Horseman of the Year Award

Jessica Barnes, Director of Standardbred Racing for the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, was honored Friday, August 18th at the Indiana State Fair with the Horseman of the Year Award.  The award, which is presented annually, is given to someone who has made a significant contribution to harness racing in Indiana, especially at the state and county fairs.

Linda Dever, Indiana State Fair Harness Department Manager and former Harness Department Manager Jeff Henson presented the award to Barnes.  Barnes’ family, co-workers at the Racing Commission, and Racing Commission Chairman Sarah McNaught were on hand to congratulate her.  “The Indiana State Fair is honored to present this award to one of the leaders of today in Indiana harness racing,” said Henson.  “She represents the hard working values that are the backbone of this industry,” he added.

Barnes, a native of Owensville, Indiana, began her employment with the State of Indiana in 1997, serving as the executive secretary of the Indiana Standardbred Board of Regulations.  In 1999, she was hired as the Director of Standardbred Racing for the Indiana Horse Racing Commission.  Her duties include oversight and administration of the 3.6 million dollar Standardbred breed development program, which includes the racing programs at Indiana’s two pari-mutuel racetracks, eleven county fairs and the Indiana State Fair.

The award was first presented in 1975 to Indiana Standardbred Hall of Fame member Jerry Landess.  A few of the other past recipients of the Horseman of the Year Award include Jay Cross, Nat Hill IV, Dave White and Standardbred Hall of Fame members Ralph Wilfong, George McClarnon, and Joe Blocker.