Trots

Believed to have originated from chariot races during the Roman Empire, harness racing is a type of horse racing which focuses on the horses gait method and unlike normal Thoroughbred horse racing, the horse is required to pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. The driver sits on the cart and is able to control the horse using reigns and a light long whip.

Often referred to as “trotting” or “pacing”, Australian harness races are conducted in either a trotting gait or a pacing gait. In a trotting gait, the horse’s front right leg will move forward in unison with the rear left leg. Then the opposite two legs will move forward together. This type of gait is body centred and can be performed in a move line gait where the front and hind feet are placed in a straight line or as a passing gait in which the hind legs will touch the track outside to where the front feet are placed. The other form of harness racing uses a pacing gait where the horse’s feet move laterally, so the left front and rear legs will move in unison followed by the right front and rear legs. Pacers are known to be more popular with bettors as they are more consistent in their stride compared to a trotter who has the ability to advance into a gallop. Despite being considered an unnatural gait, pacing is actually a natural gait and the use of hobbles, straps connecting the front and rear feet, are only used as support and for safety.

For trotting, Standardbred horses, not Thoroughbreds are used as they have shorter legs and longer bodies, making them more suited to the gaits of harness racing. In order to be classified as a Standardbred, horses were required to trot or pace a mile in a standard time set for all horses. Those who achieved this or if their progeny did, were considered to be a Standardbred. This breed of horse is also much more placid than a Thoroughbred and is able to re-accelerate during races. Today, most harness races are restricted to only Standardbreds, however in Northern Europe cold-blooded horses are permitted. Unlike America, Australian races will often include up to 13 horses in the field. This does restrict the drivers in their ability to manoeuvre the horse into a better position and often spectators will see a “three wide train” when the drivers are approaching the finish line. However similar to standard horse racing, to be situated on the outer section of the track is deemed the worst position as the horse is required to cover more ground in order to keep up with the leading horse.

In Australia the main entity for harness racing is Harness Racing Australia (HRA), which is a federal body which monitors and regulates the harness racing industry. Each state has a Principal Racing Authority which must abide by the Australian Harness Racing Rule and Regulations. During the racing season, trotting races are held every week across Australia during racing season. Each day there is on average 4-8 races held across Australia and are held either during the day or at night.