Horse racing is a centuries-old sport. It began as a form of entertainment for the rich and noble. Ancient Greeks and Romans were renowned for holding colossal contests to watch horses race with chariots. As time passed, the sport evolved into something magnificent.
The realm of horse racing introduced new arenas of contesting.
Harness horse racing is an exciting prospect for the wealthy sport. The horses harness a lightweight cart to showcase their skill and talent. Harness racing started in medieval popularity and rose to popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries in France and England.
The first official harness race in the United States was held in 1788.
Giddy up! We are going to learn all about harness racing. Beginners and seasoned horse racing enthusiasts — everyone could learn something here.
What is Harness Racing?
Harness racing is the ultimate test of speed between numerous on the track. In this event, horses and drivers race at a specific gait for the prestigious title. The driver steers the horse while sitting in a two-wheeled cart called the sulky.
The harness horse racing consists of two main categories – Pacers and trotters. These racing categories are defined by the distinct gaits, movements, and other characteristics. Harness racing follows a set of rules and regulations to ensure a fair competition.
Basic Rules of Harness Racing
Enjoying any sport begins with understanding the concept of the race. Take a peek into the fundamental rules for the competition.
- Horse Eligibility: The competing horses should be at least three years old, meeting the performance criteria for the specific races. Age, experience, and gait reference of the horse matter.
- Sulky and Equipment: All the racing equipment along with the sulky should follow the regulations. It helps maintain the safety and fairness of the race. Pay attention to the weight of sulky as it contributes to the points.
- Racing Conduct: The racing rules and regulations define the conduct of horses during the race. The harness horse racing guidelines include requirements for gait maintenance.
- Doping and Medication: The use of performance-enhancing drugs is frowned upon in horse racing. Strict anti-doping regulations are followed to prevent these situations.
- Judging and Penalties: A panel of experts and judges ensures the rules are being enforced throughout the race. Also, necessary penalties are issued for infractions.
Important Races in Harness Racing
Now, let’s discuss the significant races in the competition. These contests are a testament to the horse’s strength and speed.
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Kentucky Derby
There is no race quite like the Kentucky Derby race. This distinguished race is held every year on the first Saturday of May. The race track for this contest is Churchill Down, Louisville, Kentucky.
The American horse racing triple crown is incomplete without this race. The first race was organized at this location in 1875. The total distance of the race is 1.25 miles.
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Prix de L’arc de Triomphe
It is an eminent horse racing event in Europe. The Prix de L’arc de Triomphe is celebrated on the first Sunday of October. The Longchamp racetrack in Paris, France, hosts exciting events. Horses above the age of three compete in this race. The total race distance is about 1.5 miles.
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Breeders’ Cup Classic
In 1984, the richest horse racing event was organized in the United States. The Breeders’ Cup Classic is held in late October and early November at a different racetrack. The horse runs for 1.25 miles with other highly talented competitors.
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Japan Cup
Harness horse racing is also held in Japan. This prestigious race takes place in the last week of November at the Fuchu racetrack in Tokyo. The first race here was in 1981. The track length for the event is 1.49 miles.
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Epsom Derby
This nail-biting race is part of the English horse racing triple crown. Organized on the first weekend of June annually, Epsom Derby is a high-stakes race. The spectators have been arriving at the location since 1779 to watch this race.
Successful Wagering in Horse Racing
Gambling is an equal counterpart of the horse racing sport. Spectators participate in these off-track activities to earn good rewards. Here is what you need to know about making a successful wager.
- Be Cautious: Start placing bets on the aspects that pique your interest. However, it is essential not to overlook your shortcomings to make a rewarding wager.
- Get Assistance: Avoid losing money by asking for assistance on your bets. Choose tools and platforms to guide you throughout the process of placing bets on the race-high performers.
- Frugal Wagers: It pays off to be frugal with your wagers during horse racing events. It is a profitable strategy to place frugal bets and easily cut back on your losses.
- 90% Rule: Use this gambling rule to earn good rewards by the end of the vent. Don’t place a wager until you are about 90% confident about it. This rule is highly dependent on your instinct.
Bottom Line
Harness horse racing events are an exciting experience. Spectators and gamblers revel in this sport from all corners of the world. This magnificent event has been a part of popular culture for several years now. It’s your time to become a part. Join Handicap Contests to interact with the horse racing community and win rewards with every race.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 What type of horses run in harness racing?
The ideal horses for harness horse racing are Standardbreds. These horses showcase distinct characteristics. These majestic creatures have a long body with strong muscles weighing between 800 to 1000 pounds. Also, these horses are easy to train due to their people-oriented nature.
- 2 What is the difference between a trotter and a pacer?
Trotters move with a diagonal gait. The skill of the trainers is crucial to help the trotter move perfectly at high speeds. On the other hand, the pacers move their legs on one side with the body in tandem. Pacers comprise 80% of the performers in harness racing.
Q.3. How to wager on harness racing?
You need to follow simple steps to wager in horse racing. Collect the information such as race number, amount of wager, type of wager, or program number to make a bet. Choose the type of wager you would like to make in the event. Wait for the results.
