Delaware, Ohio--Tim Schmitz, who has judged more than 95,000 races in a distinguished career that included the Hambletonian, Kentucky Futurity and Fox Stake, will be the presiding judge for the 2001 Delaware, Ohio Grand Circuit meeting.

Schmitz, who is currently presiding judge at Hoosier Park, will succeed the late Tim Fouts in the judges stand at Delaware.

"What a tremendous resume Tim brings to the Little Brown Jug," said Tom Wright, vice-president of the Little Brown Jug Society.

Schmitz, who has 42 years of experience in harness racing including the past 30 years as presiding judge at the Indiana State Fair, said of his new position, "When I was offered the job I think it took me one second to say yes. I consider it a great privilege and honor to be part of the Delaware, Ohio and Little Brown Jug official family."

Schmitz trained and raced standardbreds in his native Illinois from 1959 through 1971. He has served as a presiding judge at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Du Quoin State Fair and Indiana State Fair. He has worked at such pari-mutuel tracks as Lexington's Red Mile Grand Circuit, Maywood Park and Balmoral Park

The Anna, Illinois native is also an instructor for the U.S. Trotting Association's racing officials seminar. Other major harness classics Schmitz has worked include the World Trotting Derby, Tattersalls Pace, U.S. Pacing Championship, Review Stakes and American-Nationals.

"This will be my first visit to Delaware, Ohio," said Schmitz. Robert Steele and Dennis Nolan will return as associate judges.