Ten Reasons Why Harness Racing Isn’t So Special Anymore
10. I live near the Batavia-Buffalo circuit. There’s too much single file racing. It’s easy to doze off between the quarter pole and five-eighths marker; nothing is happening. Races on half mile tracks are frequently unwatchable.
9. Most announcers are inept. A couple good ones can’t save the day for the others.
8. It’s 2024. Can we please do away with all whips during a race? Too many drivers abuse it, It’s not a good look for the sport. Look at the weekly fines for whipping violations.
7. I feel badly for the honest trainers who are trying to make a living, while competing with chemists. I don’t agree with Jeff Gural on everything but he’s been trying to clean up his tracks.
6. There’s no fun in a trip to the racetrack anymore. Most racetracks (not all) have just become TV studios for various wagering sites. Want a decent meal at a racetrack? Good luck.
5. Using beards is common and unconscionable.
4. Suspending a trainer for 30 days (or whatever) means nothing. They still do what they do even with another person, often a spouse or other relative, listed as trainer. More of an effort is made to not get caught again.
3. Cameras on track are amazing, but not in a good way. Why are so many tracks having jittery camera people employed? Or is it the equipment? It seems to be a recent phenomena. It’s bizarre and unwatchable.
2. I would love consistency from track to track with pylon and passing lane violations. I’ve seen instances where I was sure a horse was going to be taken down and it wasn’t and vice versa. Why not have judges explain all their decisions to the betting public? Most judges try to do the right thing based on their jurisdiction but more communication would go a long way.
1. More information please! Has a horse been fighting illness or lameness? Has a horse been receiving a legal supplement for the first time? Did a horse train really well or really poorly? Trainers know; their inner circle knows, but most betters don’t. Track owners should be required to be more transparent in the information provided on the programs. It's difficult but not impossible. Look at the NFL and all the wagering that takes place every game. You know 48 hours before game time if Patrick Mahomes stubs his toe.
I’m sure there are more reasons. In spite of it all, the sport is still special to me. Just not as special as it used to be.
