When betting Harness Racing

[unassailable08]

Does weight make a big deal.

Since I see some drivers weight at 175, 135, or 145.

It actually gives me hope that I could actually become a Harness Racing Driver.

[pointman]

It does not at all IMO since the horse is not carrying the weight.

[onebadbeast]

You Could Have Ralph Kramden Ride On A Trotter Horse; Matters None.

[Mortimer]

This is so true.




After all...these fatties are being PULLED from behind the horsey on a cart on wheels.

I'm sure Professor Garden would be happy to explain from a scientific view.

[BooBeez]

Originally Posted by unassailable08

Does weight make a big deal.

Yes, because if you're a big tubby you should be exercising instead of betting on shopping carts.

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

get drunk and bet on the 5

[unassailable08]

could I be 175 lb driver.

Does anyone know any contacts in the Harness Racing business?

[pmacdaddy]

Pointman used to jog his Old Man's pacers from time to time.

Great story about his name sake "The Pointman" running off track with him jogging and made B-Line straight for barn, stopped about 3 feet before the barn door...

Remember that one Nick???

[pointman]

Sure do, scared the hell out of me and stopped about 3 feet from the barn entrence. Then there was the time when a lawn mower came up close while riding Blueline Nick and he started to go for the infield. Thankfully I learned from the Pointman experience and pulled him up before he got off the track, hopped off and calmed him down. I did jog Pointman before a few wins. He was a headstrong horse who wanted to go race speed every time.

Unassailable, if you are really serious I would suggest contacting the United States Trotting Association. I am sure they have a website where they have contact information. You should know that unless it has changed in the last 7 or 8 years, harness riders only get paid if they finish in the top five, they do not get a fee just for riding. And they don't run for the kind of money that T'breds do.

[unassailable08]

I was thinking about.

The only thing is Im watching Cal Expo right now and they have a pro am thing.

I would so dig that.


It was something I was thinking of doing for retirement. retirement I'm only 21, but it would seem like fun.

[largo1]

Go hang around wherever the harness racers are keeping their horses. Usually the county fairgrounds. Its easy to get a job cleaning stalls(the pay is crap but its actually quite relaxing and rewarding work)(I think so, anyway). If you work a "real" job, you could always get a part-time gig with the horses. Show the trainer that you are dependable(there is *NO* calling off from any horse care job, EVER), and eager to learn more. From there you could be jogging horses in a matter of weeks. I speak from experience! I'm sure the step from jogging horses in the morning to racing horses isn't that hard to make. If you want, I do still have some standardbred contacts and I could easily find out how you get your sulky license.

Good luck, it is a blast!
Suzanne

[ELA]

Contact the USTA and look into the Billings Amateur Series. The people who participate in the Billings program have always been a great help in getting people involved.

Good luck.

Eric