Harness Racing History
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By :
Mike Scofieldson
Submitted
2010-12-26 17:20:44 |
In many countries around the world, harness racing has become quiet popular. Lots of people attend these races and large amounts are bet on the drivers and their horses. Nowadays, harness racing is heavily dependent on technology and of course the drivers and the horses. This article will give a bit of insight into the history and evolution of harness racing.
Harness racing requires horses to race in a special gait, the pace or the trot. The horses pull a special two wheeled cart called the sulky. Harness racing is restricted to a specific breed of horse, the Standardbreds, because history shows that only these horses were able to pace or trot one mile in the standard time set. A horse would be included in the books if they were able to meet these requirements.
Different countries host different variations of the races. In continental Europe for example, the most popular races are the trotter races.. Australia, New Zealand, Macau and the United States host more pacing races. In the United States, 80 - 90% of the races are pacing races. Less likely to break the strides because of the hobbles and hopples, the pacers is the preferred type of race.
The harness races start from a motorized start. The horses are lead to the starting line with this motorised gate. Some races in Europe and Australia do not utilize this motorized gate.
The races in North America usually are no longer then one mile. The horses are kept track off and they have a mark that shows their winning time, and which horse crossed the line the fastest.
Since its inception of harness racing it has been an important sport to many. It involves a lot of strategy and technique in order to be successful.
The so-called Stantardbred horses sire founding goes back to a grey horse by the name of Messenger who was one of the most famous race horses in the United States.
Harness racing has increased in popularity around the globe and has improved a lot over the years. It is one of the most enjoyed sports in many countries in Europe and America.
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