The Gillespie County Fair Association (G.C.F.A.) opened its annual mixed racing meet on Saturday, July 4th, and held a successful opening weekend - the first of four weekends of racing at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds in Fredricksburg in July and August. Racing will also take place on July 19 & 20, August 9 & 10, and August 23 & 24. A total of 4,953 racegoers attended opening weekend, wagering $362,116 on-track on Gillespie's races.

Racing on the 4th of July was highlighted by six trials for the $15,000-added TQHA Futurity for two-year-old Quarter Horses going 350 yards. Owner/trainer Joe Rangel's Dashin Tres was the fastest trial qualifier with a time of :17.930 under jockey Santos Carrizales. Two more of the ten qualifiers achieve sub-:18 times - Ace Cinnan and Addictability, who finished a neck apart in their trial in :17.935 and :17.986, respectively. Ridden by Isaac Chapa, Ace Cinnan is owned by Jesus E. Longoria and trained by Abraham Carrillo. Addictability is owned by Ruben Santos and trained by Daniel Huerta.

The finals for the $15,000-added TQHA Futurity will be held on Saturday, July 19.

On Sunday, racing was highlighted by the $18,400-guaranteed Hill Country Dash Stakes for three-year-olds and upward Quarter Horses going 440 yards. Owner/trainer Shawn C. Friesenhahn's filly Dress Me Anywhere posted a solid one-length triumph over Kissem Goodbye in :22.437 under jockey Isaac Chapa. The Polar Express was a nose further back in third, a head to the good of Foroucious Jessie. Heza Shaker, Streakin Pancho, Haulin Streak, Eyewhere, and Lindys Streakin Star followed past the wire.

The meet’s stakes schedule is topped by the $15,000-added Gillespie County Fair Futurity (G3) for two-year-old Quarter Horses going 350 yards. Trials will be held on Sunday, August 10, and the final will be run on Sunday, August 24.

Other Quarter Horse stakes during the meet include the $15,000-added (includes $5,000 added by TQHA) TQHA Futurity for accredited Texas-bred two-year-olds going 350 yards on Saturday, July 19; $12,000-added (includes $5,000 added by TQHA) G.C.F.A. Texas-Bred Quarter Horse Stakes for accredited Texas-bred three-year-olds and upward
going 400 yards on Saturday, August 23; the $5,000-added G.C.F.A. Maiden Futurity for two-year-old maidens (as of
June 1, 2008) going 350 yards on Sunday, August 10; the $5,000-added G.C.F.A. Maiden Classic for three, four, and five year old maidens (as of June 1, 2008) going 350 yards on Saturday, August 9; the $5,000-added G.C.F.A. 79 & Under Allowance for two-year-olds with a high Speed Index of 79 and under as of June 30, 2008, to be run on Saturday, August 23 going 330
yards; and the $5,000-added Dutchman’s Quarter Horse Handicap for three-year-olds that have not won three races going 350 yards on Sunday, July 20.

Thoroughbreds will contest the $15,000-added (includes $8,000 added by TTA) G.C.F.A. Texas-Bred Stakes for accredited
Texas-bred three-year-olds and up going seven furlongs on Sunday, August 24 and the $10,000-added (includes $8,000 added by TTA) Texas Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes for three-year-olds and up going six furlongs on Saturday, July 19.

Racing Paint horses will compete on Saturday, July 5 in the $3,000-added G.C.F.A. Paint Stakes for two-year-olds going 350 yards and the $3,000-added Field of Dreams Paint Maturity for three-year-olds and upward going 400 yards.

All of the racing breeds will get a chance to compete against each other in one stakes race - the $7,500-added G.C.F.A. All Breeds 870 Stakes for three-year-olds and upward going 870 yards on Saturday, August 9. While the race is open to all breeds, it is Quarter Horse preferred and highest lifetime money earners preferred.

Entries will be taken 72 hours prior to race day, with entries opening at 8:00 a.m. and closing promptly at 10:30 a.m.

Post time on race days is 1:00 p.m.

Admission is $4 for adults (except during the 120th County Fair on August 23 & 24, when it is $5). Admission for children six to 12 is $1, and children under six are admitted free. Reserved seats are $7 each, and box seats are $9 apiece.