Updated News Around the World

Ranking the best harness racing tracks

Harness racing is one of the top sports that you should look out for as they offer just the same level of excitement as horse flat racing does. It is one of the most dominant animal races that a lot of punters are also keen to both watch and bet on.

Harness racing has remained relevant over the years. It has grown from the humble beginnings it had back then all the way to a multi-million dollar business. Today, harness racing takes place across many countries, giving fans a delight of seeing the biggest and most intense races that have a lot of prizes for the dedicated horses and jockeys.

The best harness racing events would not be possible without the well-maintained race tracks that have been shaped by the course of history as well. Back then, harnesses were just used by chariots to ride across the battlefield and in hippodromes, but now they are a part of a much bigger industry.

Here are the best harness racing tracks you should know of:

Meadowlands

More known as ‘The Big M’, the Meadowlands is the most popular track for harness racing in history. The track is found in East Rutherford, New Jersey and held its first horse race in 1976. Since then, large crowds are drawn whenever there is a race held on the track.

The Hambletonian is the most known race to be held in the Meadowlands. The first leg of the Trotting Triple Crown made its home in the track in 1981 and that has led to a huge fan following with most fans calling the Meadowlands as ‘The King of the Handle’.

Yonkers

The Yonkers Raceway is known for its long run of hosting horse races since the early ‘90s. It is one of the few race tracks that has been sponsored by a casino to increase exposure and purses on offer. The track had a partnership with the Empire City Casino back then before being bought by MGM in 2019 for $850 million.

Before harness racing became prominent on this track, the Yonkers was known for hosting thoroughbred races, mainly when the legendary horse Seabiscuit won the Scarsdale Handicap in 1936. The track became the first venue to host two Triple Crown races on the same card with the Yonkers Trot and the Messenger Stakes in 2006.

The Red Mile

As one of the oldest race tracks in the United States, The Red Mile has a huge reputation for its classic races since 1875. The Red Mile is connected to the Keeneland racetrack – the home of the Kentucky Derby. They have a deal to build a £30m race facility with The Red Mile also housing all of the Keeneland off-track bets.

The third leg of the Trotting Triple Crown, the Kentucky Futurity, is set at the start of October in The Red Mile. The track was in the headlines last 2016 when Marion Marauder came up with all three legs for the Wellwood family and capped off his huge success.

All these race tracks have been there for a reason, and no one can deny the fact that harness racing is still one of the biggest industries to look out for. That makes it one of the best options to consider in betting as well, so make sure you never miss out on the biggest harness races of the year.