Harness horses have been racing in places like Europe and America for 200 years. The early Trotters were raced along cleared streets in towns and cities where owners challenged their friends to see who had the fastest horse.

Pacing did not gain mass popularity until much later. The first two-minute mile was recorded in 1897 by the pacer Star Pointer but most regard Dan Patch as the horse that highlighted pacing. With a time of 1'55.25" for the mile he was one of the fastest standardbreds.

With improvements in racetrack construction, sulky and harness design and in the Standardbred breed itself, came new records. The first recorded harness horse to break 1'50" for the first time was Niatross when it finished in 1'49.2" during a time-trial in 1980. The fastest mile in Britain was recorded by Stoneriggs J.R.at 1'55.7".

Harness Racing is very popular in America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and throughout Europe. In Britain trotters have been competing for over 100 years. In this country, Harness Racing has a strong following of dedicated people for whom this exciting sport and the Standardbred horse are a way of life for all the family.

A good reference book with plenty of illustrations is HARNESS RACING IN THE UK by Stella Havard, available from the British Harness Racing Club or email this website for details.

 

 

Street racing tradition still being kept alive in some parts of the world.