Harness Racing is a form of horse racing in which the horses race at a specific gait (a trot or a pace). They usually pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky, although racing under saddle (trot monté in French) is also conducted in Europe.

Breeds

In North America harness races are restricted to Standardbred horses, although European racehorses may also be French trotters or Russian trotters, or have mixed ancestry with lineages from multiple breeds. Orlov trotters race separately in Russia. The light cold-blooded Coldblood trotters and Finnhorses race separately in Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Standardbreds are so named because in the early years of the Standardbred stud book, only horses who could trot or pace a mile in a standard time (or whose progeny could do so) of no more than 2 minutes, 30 seconds were admitted to the book. Today, most harness races are won by Standardbreds who post times of 2 minutes or less. The horses have proportionally shorter legs than Thoroughbreds, and longer bodies. Standardbreds generally have a more placid disposition, due to the admixture of non-Thoroughbred blood in the breed.

The founding sire of today's Standardbred horse was Messenger, a gray Thoroughbred brought to America in 1788 and purchased by Henry Astor, brother of John Jacob Astor. From Messenger came a great-grandson, Hambletonian 10 (1849–1876), who gained a wide following for his racing prowess. However, it is his breed line for which he is most remembered. The lineage of virtually all North American Standardbred race horses can be traced from four of Hambletonian 10's sons.

Races

Races can be conducted in two differing gaits – trotting and pacing. The difference is that a trotter moves its legs forward in diagonal pairs (right front and left hind, then left front and right hind striking the ground simultaneously), whereas a pacer moves its legs laterally (right front and right hind together, then left front and left hind). In continental Europe, races are conducted exclusively among trotters, whereas in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States races are also held for pacers.

Read more from Wikipedia...

Read more: Harness Racing

Thoroughbred horse racing is a sport and industry involving the racing of Thoroughbred horses. It is governed by different national bodies. There are two forms of the sport – flat racing and jump racing, the latter known as National Hunt racing in the UK and steeplechasing in the US.

Flat racing is the most common form of Thoroughbred racing and is held on a flat track. The horses race over a variety of distances, from sprint races of 5 furlongs (1,000 meters) to endurance races of 2 miles (3,200 meters).

Jump racing is a more challenging form of Thoroughbred racing and is held on a track with jumps. The horses race over a variety of distances, from hurdle races of 2 miles (3,200 meters) to steeplechase races of 4 miles (6,400 meters).

Thoroughbred racing is a popular sport and industry around the world. The most prestigious races include the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes in the United States, and the Epsom Derby, the Irish Derby, and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in Europe.

Thoroughbred horses are bred for their speed and agility. They are descendants of Arabian, Barb, and Turkoman horses that were brought to England in the 17th century. The first Thoroughbred race was held in 1665 and the sport has been growing in popularity ever since.

Thoroughbred racing is a controversial sport. Some people argue that it is cruel to race horses and that the sport should be banned. Others argue that Thoroughbred racing is a safe and humane sport and that the horses are well-cared for.

The future of Thoroughbred racing is uncertain. The sport is facing challenges from other forms of gambling, such as online betting. However, Thoroughbred racing remains a popular sport and industry around the world.

United States | International (click here)

Read more: Thoroughbred Racing

Thoroughbred horse racing is a popular sport in Colorado, with live racing taking place at Arapahoe Park Racetrack in Aurora. The track is a one-mile oval with a seven-furlong turf course. Live racing is held from late May to mid-August, with Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoon races. There are also several stakes races held at Arapahoe Park each year, including the Colorado Derby and the CTBA Breeders' Oaks.

In addition to live racing, Arapahoe Park also offers off-track betting, which allows people to bet on races from other tracks around the country. Off-track betting is available at the track itself, as well as at several locations throughout the state.

Thoroughbred horse racing is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family. The races are exciting and suspenseful, and there's always the chance to win some money. If you're looking for a fun and exciting activity, be sure to check out thoroughbred horse racing in Colorado.

Here are some additional facts about thoroughbred horse racing in Colorado:

• The Colorado Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) is the governing body for thoroughbred racing in the state.
• The CTBA sponsors several stakes races at Arapahoe Park each year, including the Colorado Derby, the CTBA Breeders' Oaks, and the Silver Cup Futurity.
• There are several thoroughbred horse farms in Colorado, including Three Hills Farm, Double Eagle Farm, and Hallin Stables.
• Thoroughbred horse racing is a popular spectator sport in Colorado, with thousands of people attending races each year.

Thoroughbred horse racing in Delaware is a popular spectator sport that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for many years. The state is home to two racetracks, Delaware Park and Harrington Raceway, which offer live racing from May to October each year.

Delaware Park is the larger of the two tracks and is located in Wilmington. It is a beautiful facility with a long history, dating back to 1933. The track hosts a variety of stakes races, including the Grade II Delaware Handicap, which is one of the most prestigious races in the state.

Harrington Raceway is located in Harrington and is a smaller track with a more intimate atmosphere. It is a popular destination for people who enjoy watching harness racing, as well as thoroughbred racing. The track hosts a variety of stakes races, including the Grade III Martha Washington Stakes, which is one of the most important races for female thoroughbreds in the country.

Thoroughbred horse racing is a major economic driver in Delaware. The two racetracks generate millions of dollars in revenue each year, and they support thousands of jobs. The sport also contributes to the state's tourism industry, as people from all over the country come to Delaware to watch the races.

If you are interested in thoroughbred horse racing in Delaware, there are a few things you should know. First, the racing season is from May to October. Second, the two racetracks offer a variety of stakes races, so you are sure to find a race that interests you. Third, the tracks are both located in beautiful settings, so you can enjoy the scenery while you watch the races.

Thoroughbred horse racing is a popular sport in Georgia, with a long history dating back to the 1800s. The state has hosted some of the most prestigious races in the country, including the Georgia Derby and the Atlanta Handicap.

There are currently no thoroughbred racetracks in Georgia, but there have been efforts to legalize horse racing in the state in recent years. In 2019, a bill was introduced in the Georgia legislature that would have legalized horse racing, but it was ultimately defeated.

There are a number of reasons why horse racing has not been legalized in Georgia. Some people believe that it is a form of gambling, and they are opposed to gambling on moral grounds. Others believe that horse racing is cruel to animals, and they are opposed to it on ethical grounds.

Despite the opposition, there are still many people in Georgia who support horse racing. They believe that it is a legitimate sport that can provide economic benefits to the state. They also believe that it can be a source of entertainment for people of all ages.

If horse racing is legalized in Georgia, it is likely that a new racetrack would be built in the Atlanta area. The state would also need to establish a regulatory body to oversee the sport.

It is unclear when or if horse racing will be legalized in Georgia. However, there is a growing support for the sport, and it is possible that it will be legalized in the future.

Thoroughbred horse racing is a popular sport in Illinois, with two major racetracks, Hawthorne Race Course and Fairmount Park. Thoroughbred races are held at these tracks from April to October, and there are also several smaller tracks that offer thoroughbred racing.

Thoroughbred horses are bred for speed and endurance, and they are typically raced at distances of one mile or more. The most prestigious thoroughbred race in Illinois is the Arlington Million, which is held at Arlington Park. The Arlington Million is a Grade I stakes race, which means that it is one of the highest-level races in the world.

In addition to the Arlington Million, there are several other major thoroughbred races in Illinois, including the Illinois Derby, the Prairie State Derby, and the Hawthorne Gold Cup. These races attract horses from all over the country, and they are a major economic driver for the state of Illinois.

Thoroughbred horse racing is a popular spectator sport, and it is estimated that over 1 million people attend thoroughbred races in Illinois each year. The sport also generates millions of dollars in revenue for the state, and it supports thousands of jobs.

If you are interested in learning more about thoroughbred horse racing in Illinois, you can visit the websites of the Illinois Department of Agriculture or the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. You can also watch thoroughbred races live on television or online.

Thoroughbred horse racing is a popular sport in Arizona, with three racetracks offering live racing throughout the year. The tracks are:

• Turf Paradise: Located in Phoenix, Turf Paradise is the oldest and most well-known racetrack in Arizona. It offers live racing from October to May, and is home to the Arizona Derby, a Grade III stakes race.
• Rillito Park Race Track: Located in Tucson, Rillito Park is the second-largest racetrack in Arizona. It offers live racing from February to March, and is home to the Rillito Derby, a Grade II stakes race.
• Arizona Downs: Located in Prescott Valley, Arizona Downs is the smallest of the three racetracks in Arizona. It offers live racing from May to September, and is home to the Arizona Downs Derby, a Grade III stakes race.

In addition to live racing, the tracks also offer simulcast racing from tracks all over the country. This means that you can bet on races from all over the world, regardless of where you are located.

Thoroughbred horse racing is a great way to enjoy a day of excitement and fun. With three tracks to choose from, there is sure to be a race day that is perfect for you.

Here are some additional facts about thoroughbred horse racing in Arizona:

• The Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ATBA) is the governing body for thoroughbred horse racing in the state.
• The ATBA sanctions all live racing in Arizona, and also promotes the sport through education and outreach programs.
• Arizona is home to a number of successful thoroughbred horse farms, which produce some of the best racehorses in the country.
• Thoroughbred horse racing is a major economic driver in Arizona, generating millions of dollars in revenue each year.

If you are interested in learning more about thoroughbred horse racing in Arizona, there are a number of resources available online and in the state. The ATBA website is a great place to start, and you can also find information on the websites of the individual racetracks.

The Prairie Meadows Racetrack in Altoona, Iowa, hosts both thoroughbred and quarter horse racing. The thoroughbred meet runs from the end of April to the middle of August, and the quarter horse meet runs from August through October. There are three graded stakes races for thoroughbreds over the course of their season, including the Cornhusker Handicap, the Iowa Derby, and the Iowa Oaks. All three races have Grade 3 status.

In addition to Prairie Meadows, there are a few other thoroughbred racetracks in Iowa, including:

• The Dubuque Racing Association in East Dubuque, Iowa
• The Fort Dodge Race Track in Fort Dodge, Iowa
• The Lakeside Racetrack in Oskaloosa, Iowa

These tracks offer a variety of thoroughbred races, including stakes races, overnight races, and claiming races.

If you are interested in watching thoroughbred horse racing in Iowa, we recommend checking out the Prairie Meadows Racetrack website or the website of the Iowa Thoroughbred Association. These websites will have information on the upcoming races, as well as ticket information.

Thoroughbred horse racing in Arkansas is a popular sport that has been around for over 100 years. The state's only racetrack, Oaklawn Park, is located in Hot Springs and is home to some of the most prestigious races in the country, including the Arkansas Derby.

Oaklawn Park was founded in 1904 and has been hosting horse races ever since. The track is a one-mile dirt oval with a seven-furlong chute. It is known for its fast track and has been called "the fastest track in the South."

The Arkansas Derby is a Grade I stakes race that is run annually at Oaklawn Park. It is one of the most important races in the country for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, as it is a major stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby. The Arkansas Derby was first run in 1936 and has been won by some of the greatest horses in history, including Smarty Jones, Curlin, and American Pharoah.

In addition to the Arkansas Derby, Oaklawn Park also hosts a number of other Grade I stakes races, including the Rebel Stakes, the Fantasy Stakes, and the Oaklawn Handicap. The track also hosts a variety of other races, including overnight stakes, allowance races, and claiming races.

Thoroughbred horse racing is a popular sport in Arkansas and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The races at Oaklawn Park are a great way to spend a day out and enjoy the excitement of horse racing.

Here are some other facts about thoroughbred horse racing in Arkansas:

• The Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders' & Horsemen's Association (ATBHA) was founded in 1961 and is the official breed registry for all Registered Arkansas-bred Thoroughbreds.
• The ATBHA offers a number of programs and services to its members, including registration, stud fees, and awards.
• The Arkansas Derby is the most prestigious race in the state, but there are a number of other Grade I stakes races that are also held at Oaklawn Park.

Thoroughbred horse racing is a popular tourist destination in Arkansas and brings in millions of dollars each year.