Lesson from the Past and a Plan for Growth Harness Racing

Harness Racing has long delivered moments of excitement, and one unforgettable evening at Los Alamitos in the 1980s highlighted that in dramatic fashion. During a heated stretch drive, driver Gene Vallandingham found himself thrown from his sulky in a sudden mishap. Yet, instead of a harsh landing, he managed to turn the fall into an agile recovery, landing with a flourish that had the crowd on its feet. Taking the limelight momentarily, Vallandingham’s astonishing reaction to the race was what stood out most. For a rare exception, the sport’s uncertainty took precedence prominently in the way it could be felt by almost everyone there.

This moment, though individual, speaks to a grander penchant for the sport of Harness Racing: the need to show the sport in a way that draws new audiences. Mainly because the industry and the races have usually relied on the old-style promotions that do not highlight the talent and strategy of horse racing and the athleticism of it all. To keep Harness Racing relevant, a shift in approach is necessary.

One of the most effective ways to bring fresh interest into the sport is through education. The Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF) once addressed this with its booklet Studying The standardbred horses /The Basic Stuff. This publication outlined the basics of Harness Racing, from the different horse gaits to race strategy, and even included the development of standardbred horses. Most importantly, it presented Harness Racing in an informative and engaging manner, inspiring readers to picture themselves as drivers, trainers, or caretakers.

An excellent section, they don’t run, focused on distinguishing the difference in the standardbred horses’ gaits as opposed to the galloping style of thoroughbred racing. Another chapter called Monster Horses educates the viewer about the power and the agility of harness racers-and to this end, the connection between horse and driver. The handbook also addressed the dangers of the sport to give a balanced view of Harness Racing, acknowledging both its dangers and rewards.

Despite its value, the HHYF’s educational push has faded, leaving a void in outreach efforts. The information remains useful, but it needs to be refreshed and adapted for modern audiences.

The sport has traditionally been marketed in a structured manner that does not always reflect the excitement it offers. To bring in new fans, particularly younger generations, Harness Racing needs to focus on interactive experiences that highlight its energy and horse racing strategy.

As the digital age has taken us, Harness Racing can reach others through everything from social media platforms to online video series and interactive websites. The more ways beyond traditional ad approaches into movement-inspiring, experience-driven content will offer a whole new lens through which to view the sport.

To make this vision a reality, the industry must be willing to invest in its own future. The HHYF and other concerned organizations should actively seek funding for up-to-date educational materials for relevancy and easy accessibility. It is suggested that contributions from race tracks and breeding farms and sponsors assist in these edities to broaden the appeal of the sport.

Harness Racing cannot afford to remain stagnant. A sport that once packed grandstands now struggles to maintain a strong presence. Relying on traditional promotional methods has done little to expand its reach. Instead of presenting the sport as a controlled and predictable event, it should be positioned as a competition that requires skill, horse racing strategy, and an understanding of the finer details.

The future of Harness Racing depends on fresh ideas and a willingness to take new approaches. Reviving the HHYF’s educational efforts is a starting point, but it should be part of a larger movement to reshape how the sport is perceived. By embracing modern platforms and delivering compelling educational content, Harness Racing can position itself for long-term success.